CK beta 8, a novel CC chemokine that predominantly acts on monocytes

We have studied the biological properties of a new human CC chemokine, CK beta 8, consisting of 99 amino acids including six cysteines. CK beta 8 mRNA transcripts were induced in monocytes by IL-1 beta and, to a lesser extent, by IFN gamma, and were detected in RNA extracted from normal human liver and gastrointestinal tract. CK beta 8 is chemotactic for monocytes, but is inactive on IL-2 conditioned T lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils. Desensitization experiments indicate that CK beta 8 and MIP-1 beta completely share receptors on monocytes and that the CK beta 8 receptor, which appears to differ from the known ones, is also recognized by MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3, MCP-4, MIP-1 alpha and RANTES. (C) 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.