C-C motif chemokine ligand 3-like 1 (CCL3L1)

C-C motif chemokine ligand 3-like 1 (CCL3L1) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine and a member of the CC chemokine family, primarily known for its role in leukocyte trafficking and immune modulation (UniProt P16619). It acts as a high-affinity ligand for the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), as well as CCR1 and CCR3, inducing the chemotaxis of lymphocytes, monocytes, and natural killer cells (PubMed: 15637236). A defining characteristic of CCL3L1 is its significant copy number variation (CNV) among individuals, which has been strongly linked to HIV-1 susceptibility and disease progression (Science, 2005). Higher copy numbers generally correlate with enhanced competition for CCR5 binding, thereby limiting viral entry and slowing the progression to AIDS (Science, 2005). Beyond its role in viral pathogenesis, CCL3L1 is implicated in various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, where its overexpression contributes to chronic inflammation (PubMed: 18250219). While there are currently no FDA-approved drugs that directly target the CCL3L1 protein, its signaling pathway is a major focus of drug development, most notably through the use of CCR5 antagonists like maraviroc to block HIV-1 entry (NCBI Gene: 6349). Understanding the genetic and functional landscape of CCL3L1 remains crucial for personalizing treatments in infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Other names

MIP-1-alpha-PLD78-betaSmall inducible cytokine A3-like 1GOS19-2SCYA3L1

None currently established for direct targeting of this ligand; however, it naturally acts as a competitive inhibitor of HIV-1 entry via CCR5 binding.