eotaxin3

Eotaxin-3, also known as CCL26, is a small secreted protein that belongs to the CC chemokine family in humans. It functions as a chemoattractant for eosinophils and, to a lesser extent, other CCR3-expressing cells, contributing to the accumulation of eosinophils at sites of inflammation.

Biologically, CCL26 signals mainly through the CCR3 receptor, promoting migration of eosinophils to areas of allergic inflammation. It is expressed by several cell types, including airway epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, and its production can be induced by type 2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13, as well as pro-inflammatory stimuli like TNF-alpha.

CCL26 is part of the eosinophil-promoting eotaxin family, which also includes CCL11 (eotaxin-1) and CCL24 (eotaxin-2). In humans, increased levels of eotaxin-3 have been observed in tissues involved in allergic diseases, such as the airways and skin, correlating with eosinophilic inflammation.

Physiological and pathological roles include participation in allergic responses, asthma, and atopic dermatitis, where eosinophil recruitment contributes to tissue inflammation and damage. Because of its role in attracting eosinophils, CCL26 has been considered a potential biomarker of eosinophilic activity and a possible therapeutic target; however, clinical applications remain under investigation.

Note: the gene symbol CCL26 refers to the human gene, encoding the secreted chemokine with the characteristic CC motif.