C-C motif chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18)

C-C motif chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) is a secreted protein belonging to the CC chemokine family, primarily expressed by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells in humans. It functions as a chemotactic factor, especially for lymphocytes and dendritic cells, and is implicated in recruitment and trafficking of these cells as part of the immune response. CCL18 has both pro-inflammatory and regulatory roles, is constitutively present at high levels in plasma, and is notably elevated in various pathological states, including fibrosis, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases. Its gene is highly similar to CCL3 and CCL4 but is unique to primates. The receptor for CCL18 in humans includes the conventional G protein-coupled receptor CCR8 and the atypical receptor PITPNM3, although not all functional effects are fully mapped to these receptors. Elevated CCL18 is used as a biomarker in interstitial lung disease, systemic sclerosis, and some tumors. There are currently no approved drugs targeting CCL18, but it is considered a promising target due to its involvement in immune cell recruitment and chronic disease mechanisms.

Other names

Pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokinePARCDendritic cell chemokine 1DC-CK1Alternative macrophage activation-associated CC chemokine 1AMAC-1Macrophage inflammatory protein 4MIP-4Small-inducible cytokine A18SCYA18CKb7DCCK1AMAC1

Antagonism of CCL18 signaling (by antibodies or inhibitors) may reduce recruitment and migration of immune cells. Modulation of CCL18 activity affects tissue fibrosis and immune responses, depending on context.