CKbeta8, a novel CC chemokine that predominantly acts on monocytes.

We have studied the biological properties of a new human CC chemokine, CKbeta8, consisting of 99 amino acids including six cysteines. CKbeta8 mRNA transcripts were induced in monocytes by IL-1beta and, to a lesser extent, by IFNgamma, and were detected in RNA extracted from normal human liver and gastrointestinal tract. CKbeta8 is chemotactic for monocytes, but is inactive on IL-2 conditioned T lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils. Desensitization experiments indicate that CKbeta8 and MIP-1beta completely share receptors on monocytes and that the CKbeta8 receptor, which appears to differ from the known ones, is also recognized by MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3, MCP-4, MIP-1alpha and RANTES.