[44AANA47]-RANTES

[44AANA47]-RANTES is a site-directed mutant of the chemokine CCL5 (also known as RANTES: regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), with alanine substitutions at amino acid positions 44-47 that disrupt the main glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding site of native RANTES[1][7][9]. This mutation impairs chemokine oligomerization and binding to GAGs, reducing inflammatory cell recruitment in vivo and altering the resulting immune response. [44AANA47]-RANTES acts as a **RANTES (CCL5) antagonist** by competitively inhibiting leukocyte recruitment via the native RANTES/CCL5 pathways[1][7][9]. Its anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated in animal models, where it reduces atherosclerotic plaque formation, decreases proinflammatory cytokines, and promotes more stable vascular plaques[1][9]. The protein is used as a tool in preclinical research to explore the role of RANTES/GAG interactions in inflammation and immune cell migration[1][7][9].