Purification and primary amino acid sequence of a novel neutrophil chemotactic factor LECT2.

We purified a neutrophil chemotactic factor from a culture fluid of the PHA-activated human T-cell leukemia SKW-3 cells. The factor showed a 16-kDa basic protein by Tricin-SDS-polyacrylamide gel electorophoresis and analysis of amino acid composition. The primary amino acid sequence revealed that the chemotactic factor was significantly different from other known chemotactic factors, indicating a novel protein designated LECT2. The sequence revealed homology with the myb-induced myeloid protein-1 (Mim-1), which is expressed from gene in immature and normal granulocytes of chicken. Its biological function had not yet been identified. LECT2 and Mim-1 may be involved in the regulation of neutrophil functions in an as yet unidentified way.