C-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CCL12)

C-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CCL12), also known as monocyte chemoattractant protein 5 (MCP-5), is a small signaling protein belonging to the CC chemokine family. It is predominantly expressed in rodents, where it acts as a potent chemoattractant for monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes by binding to the CCR2 receptor. CCL12 is considered the murine functional homolog of human CCL2 (MCP-1) and plays a pivotal role in coordinating inflammatory cell recruitment to tissues during injury or infection. In various disease models, particularly those of pulmonary fibrosis and allergic airway inflammation, CCL12 levels are significantly elevated and correlate with disease progression. While there is no direct human CCL12 ortholog, its research as a target in preclinical models is vital for understanding fibrotic and inflammatory pathways. Pharmacological intervention often involves inhibiting its production or blocking the CCR2 receptor, with the anti-fibrotic drug pirfenidone notably attenuating CCL12 levels in experimental lung injury. Consequently, CCL12 is a crucial biomarker and target for evaluating the efficacy of immunomodulatory and anti-fibrotic therapies in animal studies.

Other names

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 5MCP-5Small-inducible cytokine A12Scya12Monocyte chemotactic protein 5MCP-1-related chemokine

Binding and activation of the C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) to stimulate myeloid cell recruitment and signaling