Identification and characterization of macrophage inflammatory protein 2.

TLDR

Macrophages release a ~6000‑Da heparin‑binding protein in response to endotoxin, related to the platelet factor 4 family and most similar to the gro/KC gene product. Macrophage inflammatory protein 2 is a potent chemotactic factor for human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, induces localized inflammation upon subcutaneous injection, and its N‑terminal sequence aligns with the platelet factor 4 family.

Abstract

In response to endotoxin, macrophages secrete a protein with a molecular mass of approximately 6000 Da and with an affinity for heparin. This protein, which we term "macrophage inflammatory protein 2," is a potent chemotactic agent for human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. In addition, subcutaneous administration of the monokine causes a localized inflammatory reaction. Partial N-terminal sequence data reveal similarity to a family of proteins, the archetype of which is platelet factor 4. Although macrophage inflammatory protein 2 is a distinct member of the platelet factor 4 family, its sequence is most closely related to that of the gro/KC gene product, which is expressed in transformed or platelet-derived growth factor-treated cells.