Interleukin-8 (IL-8)/CXCL8 is an important chemoattractant cytokine and activator of neutrophils. It is liberated from endothelial cells, gingival fibroblasts, neutrophils, monocytes and phagocytes in the gingival crevice. IL-8 belongs to the CXC subfamily. This gene is located on human chromosome 4q13.3.
Interleukin-8 (IL-8)/CXCL8 participates in the progression of peripheral muscle weakness in individuals with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It helps in the transport of neutrophils across endothelium, pulmonary epithelium and fibroblasts.