Interleukin-8 (IL-8)

Interleukin-8 (IL-8), also known as CXCL8, is a chemokine primarily involved in attracting and activating neutrophils at sites of infection and inflammation. It is produced by a wide variety of cell types, including macrophages, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells, in response to inflammatory stimuli. IL-8 exerts its biological effects by binding to its receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, which are G protein-coupled receptors expressed on various cell types. This interaction triggers intracellular signaling pathways that lead to chemotaxis, degranulation, and the production of reactive oxygen species. IL-8 is also a potent promoter of angiogenesis and plays a role in tissue remodeling. Dysregulation of IL-8 is implicated in various diseases, including chronic inflammatory conditions, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer.

Other names

CXCL8Monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factorMDNCF

Targeting IL-8 or its receptors is under investigation for managing conditions where IL-8 is dysregulated.