CCL5

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (also CCL5) is a is_associated_with::protein which in humans is encoded by the CCL5 is_associated_with::gene. It is also known as RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted).

Function
CCL5 is an 8kDa is_associated_with::protein classified as a chemotactic is_associated_with::cytokine or is_associated_with::chemokine. CCL5 is chemotactic for is_associated_with::T cells, is_associated_with::eosinophils, and is_associated_with::basophils, and plays an active role in recruiting is_associated_with::leukocytes into inflammatory sites. With the help of particular is_associated_with::cytokines (i.e., IL-2 and IFN-γ) that are released by is_associated_with::T cells, CCL5 also induces the proliferation and activation of certain natural-killer (NK) cells to form CHAK (CC-Chemokine-activated killer) cells. It is also an is_associated_with::HIV-suppressive factor released from CD8+ T cells. This chemokine has been localized to is_associated_with::chromosome 17 in humans.

RANTES was first identified in a search for genes expressed "late" (3–5 days) after is_associated_with::T cell activation. It was subsequently determined to be a CC chemokine and expressed in more than 100 human diseases. RANTES expression is regulated in T lymphocytes by Kruppel like factor 13 (is_associated_with::KLF13). RANTES, along with the related chemokines MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta, has been identified as a natural HIV-suppressive factor secreted by activated CD8+ T cells and other immune cells. Recently, the RANTES protein has been engineered for in vivo production by Lactobacillus bacteria, and this solution is being developed into a possible HIV entry-inhibiting topical microbicide.

Interactions
CCL5 has been shown to interact with CCR3, is_associated_with::CCR5  and is_associated_with::CCR1.

CCL5 also activates the G-protein coupled receptor is_associated_with::GPR75.