All three isoforms of growth-related protein (GRO) are CXC chemokines th at can signal through C-X-C motif chemokine receptors 1 or 2 (CXCR1 or 2). The GRO proteins chemoattract and activate neutrophils and basophils. It has a role in host defense against polymicrobial sepsis, upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and migration of neutrophils. The protein also activates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), pro-inflammatory proteins and nuclear factor-KB (NF-KB).
