C-C motif chemokine 20 (CCL20) (CCL20)

C-C motif chemokine 20 (CCL20), also known as Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 3 alpha (MIP-3α), is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family and is the sole ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor CCR6. It is constitutively expressed at low levels in the liver, lungs, and mucosal tissues, but is strongly upregulated by inflammatory signals like TNF-α and IL-1β. CCL20 serves as a potent chemoattractant for immature dendritic cells, memory B cells, and Th17 cells, thereby playing a pivotal role in the initiation of adaptive immune responses and the maintenance of mucosal immunity. In disease, the CCL20-CCR6 axis is a critical driver of chronic inflammation, particularly in psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, where it facilitates the recruitment of pathogenic Th17 cells to affected tissues. It also plays a significant role in oncology, where it can promote tumor progression, metastasis, and the recruitment of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) to the tumor microenvironment. Therapeutic interventions have focused on neutralizing the CCL20 ligand using monoclonal antibodies, such as GSK3050002, to block CCR6 activation and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration. However, drug development has encountered challenges, including safety concerns such as vascular inflammation observed in preclinical models.

Other names

Macrophage inflammatory protein 3 alphaMIP-3-alphaMIP-3aMIP3ALiver activation-regulated chemokineLARCExodus-1CKb4Small-inducible cytokine A20ST38

Ligand neutralization; binding to the CCL20 chemokine to prevent its interaction with and activation of the CCR6 receptor.