CCL9

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 9 (CCL9) is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family. It is also called macrophage inflammatory protein-1 gamma (MIP-1γ), macrophage inflammatory protein-related protein-2 (MRP-2) and CCF18, that has been described in rodents. CCL9 has also been previously designated CCL10, although this name is no longer in use. It is secreted by follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) such as that found around Peyer's patches, and attracts dendritic cells that possess the cell surface molecule CD11b and the chemokine receptor CCR1. CCL9 can activate osteoclasts through its receptor CCR1 (the most abundant chemokine receptor found on osteoclasts) suggesting an important role for CCL9 in bone resorption. CCL9 is constitutively expressed in macrophages and myeloid cells. The gene for CCL9 is located on chromosome 11 in mice.