Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) (LECT2)

Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is a 16-kDa secreted cytokine primarily synthesized by hepatocytes (UniProt: O14960). Originally identified as a chemotactic factor for neutrophils, it is now recognized as a multifunctional hepatokine involved in liver regeneration, immune modulation, and metabolic homeostasis (PubMed: 10359826). LECT2 is the precursor protein for ALect2 amyloidosis, a systemic disease characterized by the deposition of misfolded LECT2 fibrils in the kidneys, liver, and spleen (PubMed: 24365173). Elevated LECT2 levels are also linked to insulin resistance, obesity, and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (PubMed: 24920013). Conversely, its downregulation is often observed in hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting a potential role as a tumor suppressor or marker of hepatic differentiation (PubMed: 21603460). Current therapeutic research focuses on the development of monoclonal antibodies to neutralize LECT2 for the treatment of amyloidosis and the modulation of its signaling in metabolic and inflammatory disorders (PubMed: 30115747).

Other names

Chondromodulin-IILECT-2hLECT2

Neutralization of circulating LECT2 to prevent amyloid fibril formation and deposition