interleukin-8

Interleukin-8 (IL-8), also known as CXCL8, is a chemokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family. It is a small soluble protein produced by various cell types, including macrophages, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and tumor cells. IL-8 is a key mediator of the inflammatory response, primarily functioning as a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils, guiding them to sites of infection or inflammation. It also stimulates phagocytosis and is a proangiogenic cytokine, promoting the formation of new blood vessels. IL-8 mediates its biological effects by binding to and activating two G protein-coupled receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, expressed on the surface of neutrophils and other immune cells. This binding initiates intracellular signaling cascades, including the activation of ERK1/2, STAT, Smad, and AKT pathways, leading to neutrophil activation, migration, and accumulation, as well as promoting angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and metastasis in cancer. Dysregulated IL-8 activity is implicated in a variety of inflammatory diseases and cancers, making it a significant target for therapeutic development, with approaches including IL-8 inhibitors and agonists.

Other names

IL-8IL8IL 8CXCL8CXCL-8CXCL 8C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8Monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factorMDNCFNeutrophil-activating factorNAFGCP-1GCP1GCP 1Emoctakin