CXCL3

CXCL3, also known as growth-related oncogene gamma (GRO-γ), is a chemokine of the CXC chemokine family produced by various cell types in humans. The CXCL3 gene is located on chromosome 4 and encodes a small secreted protein that functions as part of the inflammatory response.

CXCL3 is an ELR-positive (ELR+) chemokine, characterized by the Glu-Leu-Arg motif near its N-terminus. It acts primarily as a chemoattractant for neutrophils and can promote neutrophil activation. The primary receptor for CXCL3 is CXCR2, with weaker activity that may involve CXCR1 under certain conditions. Through CXCR2 signaling on neutrophils and endothelial cells, CXCL3 can influence cell migration and, in some contexts, angiogenesis.

Expression of CXCL3 is upregulated by pro-inflammatory stimuli such as interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and lipopolysaccharide. It is produced by a range of cells, including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, and is found in tissues undergoing inflammatory responses.

In addition to its role in host defense, CXCL3 has been observed in various disease settings where neutrophil recruitment is prominent, including inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Elevated levels of GRO-γ have been reported in certain inflammatory diseases and may contribute to disease pathology through the amplification of neutrophil infiltration and associated tissue damage.

CXCL3 belongs to a gene cluster that also includes CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL5, all located on chromosome 4. Together, these GRO family chemokines comprise a group of neutrophil-attracting, ELR+ CXC chemokines involved in innate immunity and inflammatory processes.