viral macrophage-inflammatory protein

Viral Macrophage-Inflammatory Protein (vMIP) refers to a family of chemokine analogs encoded by human herpesvirus 8 (Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus). The two main forms are vMIP-I and vMIP-II. These proteins mimic host chemokines and modulate the immune response to benefit the virus. - **vMIP-II** is a highly basic 71-residue monomeric protein that binds a broad spectrum of chemokine receptors. It acts as an antagonist at CCR1, CCR2, CCR5, and CXCR4; as an agonist at CCR3 and CCR8; and can block HIV cell entry via antagonism at CCR5/CXCR4. It preferentially inhibits Th1-type inflammation while upregulating Th2 responses[6][7][2]. - **vMIP-I** selectively activates CC chemokine receptor 8 (CCR8), for which CCL1 is the endogenous ligand[8]. Both proteins help the virus evade host immunity by interfering with leukocyte trafficking and adaptive immune responses.

Other names

viral macrophage inflammatory protein-Iviral macrophage inflammatory protein-II