Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CCL19gene.[5][6]
This gene is one of several CC cytokine genes clustered on the p-arm of chromosome 9. Cytokines are a family of secreted proteins involved in immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. The CC cytokines are proteins characterized by two adjacent cysteines. The cytokine encoded by this gene may play a role in normal lymphocyte recirculation and homing. It also plays an important role in trafficking of T cells in thymus, and in T cell and B cell migration to secondary lymphoid organs. It specifically binds to chemokine receptor CCR7.[6]
Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19) is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family that is also known as EBI1 ligand chemokine (ELC) and macrophage inflammatory protein-3-beta (MIP-3-beta). CCL19 is expressed abundantly in thymus and lymph nodes, with moderate levels in trachea and colon and low levels in stomach, small intestine, lung, kidney and spleen.[7] The gene for CCL19 is located on human chromosome 9.[8] This chemokine elicits its effects on its target cells by binding to the chemokine receptor chemokine receptorCCR7.[7] It attracts certain cells of the immune system, including dendritic cells and antigen-engaged B cells,[9][10]CCR7+ central-memory T-Cells.[11]
^Bromley SK, Thomas SY, Luster AD (2005). "Chemokine receptor CCR7 guides T cell exit from peripheral tissues and entry into afferent lymphatics". Nat. Immunol. 6 (9): 895–901. doi:10.1038/ni1240. PMID16116469. S2CID443455.
Further reading
Weber C, Koenen RR (2006). "Fine-tuning leukocyte responses: towards a chemokine 'interactome'". Trends Immunol. 27 (6): 268–73. doi:10.1016/j.it.2006.04.002. PMID16678487.
Katou F, Ohtani H, Nakayama T, et al. (2003). "Differential expression of CCL19 by DC-Lamp+ mature dendritic cells in human lymph node versus chronically inflamed skin". J. Pathol. 199 (1): 98–106. doi:10.1002/path.1255. PMID12474232. S2CID25424987.
Corcione A, Arduino N, Ferretti E, et al. (2004). "CCL19 and CXCL12 trigger in vitro chemotaxis of human mantle cell lymphoma B cells". Clin. Cancer Res. 10 (3): 964–71. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-1182-3. PMID14871974. S2CID9041635.