Exodus-2 or C-C motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) is a CC chemokine that signals through the C-C chemokine receptor-7 (CCR7). It is expressed in lymph nodes of certain endothelial cells, and in the spleen and appendix. CCL21 contains six cysteine residues, including the four conserved cysteines present in CC chemokines. The gene encoding this protein is localized on human chromosome 9p13. Recombinant human Exodus-2 is a 12.2kDa protein containing 111 amino acid residues.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Exodus-2 aids in the migration of lymphocytes and dendritic cells to lymph nodes. This is observed in ulcerative colitis. It also chemoattracts T and B lymphocytes and inhibits hematopoiesis. The protein may have a role in the metastasis of pancreatic cancer stem cells. CCL21 has been associated with lymph node metastasis in gastric carcinoma.
