Specificity
This antibody recognises human MIP-3 alpha, (Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 3 alpha), otherwise known as CCL20, a 70 amino acid CC chemokine predominantly expressed by the liver, lymph nodes, appendix, spleen and pancreas and also by the thymus, small intestine, foetal lungs and PBLs.MIP-3 alpha acts as a chemoattractant for memory T lymphocytes, immature dendritic cells and B lymphocytes, being the only CC chemokine known to bind to the G-protein linked 7-transmembrane receptor CCR6. Further properties of MIP-3 alpha include antimicrobial activity, inhibition of the in vitro proliferation of bone marrow immature myeloid progenitors and the stimulation of the growth and migration of pancreatic carcinoma cells.