CCL11

C-C motif chemokine 11 also known as eosinophil chemotactic protein and eotaxin-1 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the CCL11 is_associated_with::gene. This gene is encoded on three is_associated_with::exons and is located on is_associated_with::chromosome 17.

Function
CCL11 is a small is_associated_with::cytokine belonging to the CC is_associated_with::chemokine family. CCL11 selectively recruits is_associated_with::eosinophils by inducing their is_associated_with::chemotaxis, and therefore, is implicated in is_associated_with::allergic responses. The effects of CCL11 are mediated by its binding to a G-protein-linked receptor known as a is_associated_with::chemokine receptor. Chemokine receptors for which CCL11 is a is_associated_with::ligand include CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5. However, it has been found that eotaxin-1 (CCL11) has high degree selectivity for its receptor, such that they are inactive on is_associated_with::neutrophils and is_associated_with::monocytes, which do not express CCR3.

Clinical significance
Increased CCL11 levels in blood plasma are associated with aging in mice and humans. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that exposing young mice to CCL11 or the blood plasma of older mice decreases their is_associated_with::neurogenesis and cognitive performance on behavioural tasks thought to be dependent on neurogenesis in the is_associated_with::hippocampus.

Higher plasma concentrations of CCL11 has been found in is_associated_with::cannabis users versus past users and those who had never used. CCL11 has been found in higher concentrations in people suffering from schizophrenia as well, and cannabis is a known trigger of is_associated_with::schizophrenia.