X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (XCL2)

X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (XCL2) is a small secreted cytokine of the XC chemokine family, closely related to XCL1, and encoded on chromosome 1 in humans[1][5]. It is primarily expressed in activated T cells and functions by inducing chemotaxis of cells that express its cognate G protein-coupled receptor, XCR1[1][5][6]. Structurally, XCL2 exhibits a unique ability to interconvert between monomeric and dimeric forms: the monomer is responsible for activating XCR1, while the dimer binds glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix[1][2][3]. Biologically, XCL2 contributes to immune response modulation, promoting recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and macrophages, particularly under conditions of infection and cancer[3][4]. Despite significant structural similarity and functional overlap with XCL1, XCL2 shows subtle differences in glycosaminoglycan binding and may be regulated differently at the transcriptional level[1][4]. While XCL2 has emerged as a potential biomarker and a candidate for cancer immunotherapy, there are currently no drugs specifically approved that target XCL2[4].

Other names

Cytokine SCM-1 betaSCYC2SCM-1bC motif chemokine 2XC chemokine ligand 2Small inducible cytokine subfamily C, member 2

Activation of XCR1 (G protein-coupled chemokine receptor) leading to cell migration/chemotaxis