IL8.ORG

The protein encoded by IL8 gene is a member of the CXC chemokine family, which belongs to the one of the major mediators of the inflammatory response. IL 8 is a chemotactic factor that attracts neutrophils, basophils, and T-cells. It is also involved in neutrophil activation. Interleukin-8 is released from several cell types in response to an inflammatory stimulus. IL-8 has been shown to play an important role in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Top five diseases related for IL8 gene are: necrosis, inflammation, tuomrs and bronchoalveolar labage fluid. IL-8 gene and other ten members of the CXC chemokine gene family form a chemokine gene cluster in a region mapped to chromosome 4q. Main function of IL-8 is induction of chemotaxis in its target cells. It recruts neutrophils to phagocytose the antigen which trigger the antigen pattern toll-like receptors.