MCP-3
MCP-3 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 7, encoded by CCL7) is a secreted CC chemokine that attracts monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and T-cells to sites of inflammation or infection. It is also known as NC28, FIC, MARC, MCP3, SCYA6 and SCYA7. Browse Assay Genie's current range of MCP-3 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
MCP-3 is a chemotactic factor with an important role in immune regulation. It guides monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and T-cells towards inflamed or infected tissue by binding several chemokine receptors, including CCR1, CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5. Through CCR2, it helps release monocytes from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, supporting monocyte homeostasis. Monocytes recruited to inflamed or injured tissues can then differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells, which are essential for immune defence and tissue repair.
Beyond recruitment, MCP-3 has further signalling roles. Through CCR1 it contributes to macrophage polarisation via NF-kappa-B activation, which leads to the release of inflammatory factors. In trigeminal ganglion neurons it activates ERK via CCR2 and CCR3 to enhance neuronal excitability, which contributes to the maintenance of trigeminal neuropathic pain. It also modulates the early immune response in the skin, helping to prevent pathogen dissemination while maintaining cutaneous immune control. The NCBI summary notes that it attracts macrophages during inflammation and metastasis.
The CCL7 gene encodes a member of the C-C subfamily of chemokines, characterised by two adjacent cysteine residues, and belongs to the intercrine beta (chemokine CC) family. HGNC places it in the chemokine ligands group. The gene lies within a cluster of C-C chemokine genes on chromosome 17q. The mature protein is an in vivo substrate of matrix metalloproteinase 2, which degrades components of the extracellular matrix. Earlier names include small inducible cytokine A7 (monocyte chemotactic protein 3); mouse and rat both carry a Ccl7 ortholog.
MCP-3 attracts monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and T-cells to sites of inflammation or infection through CCR1, CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5.
Interaction with CCR2 facilitates monocyte release from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, making MCP-3 relevant to monocyte trafficking studies.
In trigeminal ganglion neurons, MCP-3 activates ERK via CCR2 and CCR3 to enhance excitability and help maintain neuropathic pain.
MCP-3 acts through CCR1 and NF-kappa-B to shape macrophage polarisation, and attracts macrophages during inflammation and metastasis.
MCP-3 is a secreted chemotactic factor that attracts monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and T-cells to inflamed or infected tissue. It signals through receptors including CCR1, CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5, and via CCR2 helps release monocytes from the bone marrow into the bloodstream.
The official HGNC name is C-C motif chemokine ligand 7, with the gene symbol CCL7. Aliases include MCP3, NC28, FIC, MARC, SCYA6 and SCYA7. Earlier names were small inducible cytokine A7 (monocyte chemotactic protein 3) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7.
Mouse and rat both have a Ccl7 ortholog, so MCP-3 can be studied in rodent models; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity. The NCBI summary also reports that MCP-3 is an in vivo substrate of matrix metalloproteinase 2.
Other CC chemokine ligands that share the intercrine beta family fold and signal through overlapping chemokine receptors.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P80098; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.