Description: Mouse CCL-5, or RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted), is an 8 kDa monomeric protein that belongs to the CC- family of chemokines. The chemokines in this family share a common g-protein coupled receptor, CCR5, which they bind to through a conserved core region. In humans, CCR5 is also known to be the co-receptor through which the HIV virus enters the cell. This effect is blocked by the binding of RANTES to CCR5, making these proteins potential targets for HIV therapy.
RANTES plays an important role in the immune response by initiating the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. It is a chemoattractant for T cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells, and may increase the cytotoxicity and promote proliferation of NK cells. It is reported to be produced by fibroblasts, platelets, and T cells. RANTES is also involved in the progression and metastasis of some forms of cancer, and constitutive expression has been demonstrated in some malignant tumors.
Human and mouse RANTES share 85% sequence homology and demonstrate cross-species activity.