Encyclopedia

CCL11 encodes eotaxin-1, a chemokine best known for attracting eosinophils. Its receptor relationships connect it to allergic inflammation as well as broader research into immune signaling.

CCL2 encodes MCP-1, a chemokine that attracts monocytes toward sites of immune activity. Recruitment is a different task from the cytokines that activate those cells once they arrive.

CCL3 encodes MIP-1 alpha, a chemokine involved in attracting and activating immune cells. It is related to CCL4, or MIP-1 beta, but the two genes and proteins are distinct.

CCL4 encodes MIP-1 beta, a chemokine involved in attracting immune cells. It participates in a recruitment network that includes CCL2, CXCL8 and related chemokines.

CCL5, also called RANTES, is a chemokine that helps direct immune-cell movement. Chemokines tell cells where to go, which is different from measuring the total strength of an immune response.

CD40 encodes a receptor that participates in communication between immune cells, including T-cell help for B-cell responses. Its partner is CD40 ligand, encoded by CD40LG.

CD40LG encodes CD40 ligand, which binds CD40 and supports communication needed for effective antibody responses. It is on the X chromosome, which changes how some genetic results must be interpreted.

CXCL13 is a chemokine that attracts cells expressing CXCR5, including B cells. This pairing helps organize immune-cell traffic in lymphoid tissues and some chronic inflammatory settings.

CXCL8 is the gene for IL-8, a chemokine involved in recruiting and activating neutrophils. IL-8 is the protein nickname; CXCL8 is the gene name a DNA report may use.

CXCR5 encodes the receptor for CXCL13. This receptor helps guide B cells and certain T cells toward locations where organized immune responses develop.

DDAH1 encodes an enzyme that breaks down asymmetric dimethylarginine, or ADMA. ADMA inhibits nitric oxide synthase; DDAH1 is part of its clearance system, not the inhibitor itself.

HMGB1 normally has functions inside the cell nucleus. When released outside cells in particular settings, it can act as a damage-associated molecular pattern, or DAMP, participating in inflammatory signaling.