Interleukin-8 (CXCL8) messenger RNA (IL-8 mRNA)

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) messenger RNA, encoded by the CXCL8 gene, is the primary transcript for the IL-8 protein, a potent chemokine essential for neutrophil recruitment and activation (NCBI Gene, 2024). In the context of the immune response, IL-8 mRNA expression is rapidly induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-1-beta (PubMed, PMID: 10647992). Pathologically, elevated levels of IL-8 mRNA are associated with tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis in various cancers, as well as chronic inflammation in diseases like COPD and psoriasis (PubMed, PMID: 22430211). While therapeutic strategies have traditionally focused on neutralizing the IL-8 protein or blocking its receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, the mRNA itself is a target for gene-silencing technologies (UniProt, P10145). Experimental approaches using small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have demonstrated the ability to reduce IL-8 production and inhibit tumor growth in preclinical models (PubMed, PMID: 15585705). These RNA-targeting therapies aim to provide a more comprehensive suppression of the IL-8 pathway compared to protein-level inhibition, though they face challenges such as efficient delivery and potential off-target effects (NIH, 2023).

Other names

CXCL8 mRNANeutrophil chemotactic factor mRNAMonocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor mRNAAMCF-I mRNAGCP-1 mRNANAP-1 mRNA

RNA interference (siRNA) or antisense-mediated degradation of the mRNA transcript to prevent protein synthesis