C-C motif chemokine 20

Also known as: Beta-chemokine exodus-1, CC chemokine LARC, Liver and activation-regulated chemokine, Macrophage inflammatory protein 3 alpha, Small-inducible cytokine A20, CCL20, P78556

C-C motif chemokine 20 (CCL20), also known as MIP-3α, is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family. Its primary mechanism of action involves binding specifically to the G protein-coupled receptor CCR6, which is expressed predominantly on immature dendritic cells, memory T cells, and B cells. This interaction mediates chemotaxis, directing immune cell migration to sites of epithelial inflammation and lymphoid tissue. CCL20 is constitutively expressed in mucosal tissues, particularly the gut and skin, and is upregulated in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli such as TNF-α and IL-1β. Key research findings indicate that CCL20 plays a critical role in mucosal immunity and inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown elevated CCL20 levels in conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, correlating with immune cell infiltration. Additionally, CCL20-CCR6 signaling is implicated in the recruitment of Th17 cells, which are central to autoimmune pathology. Experimental models have also explored its role in cancer, where CCL20 expression can promote tumor-associated inflammation or facilitate immune evasion depending on the tumor microenvironment. Clinically, CCL20 is being investigated as a potential biomarker for inflammatory disease activity and as a therapeutic target. Antagonists of CCR6 or neutralizing antibodies against CCL20 are in preclinical development for autoimmune disorders. However, due to its pleiotropic roles in both protective immunity and pathology, therapeutic modulation requires careful context-specific evaluation. Current evidence remains experimental, with no approved clinical applications. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Mechanism of action

Acts as a ligand for C-C chemokine receptor CCR6. Signals through binding and activation of CCR6 and induces a strong chemotactic response and mobilization of intracellular calcium ions (PubMed:11035086, PubMed:11352563, PubMed:20068036). The ligand-receptor pair CCL20-CCR6 is responsible for the chemotaxis of dendritic cells (DC), effector/memory T-cells and B-cells and plays an important role at skin and mucosal surfaces under homeostatic and inflammatory conditions, as well as in pathology, including cancer and various autoimmune diseases (PubMed:21376174). CCL20 acts as a chemotactic factor that attracts lymphocytes and, slightly, neutrophils, but not monocytes (PubMed:11352563, PubMed:9038201). Involved in the recruitment of both the pro-inflammatory IL17 producing helper T-cells (Th17) and the regulatory T-cells (Treg) to sites of inflammation. Required for optimal migration of thymic natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) and DN1 early thymocyte progenitor cells (By similarity). C-terminal processed forms have been shown to be equally chemotactically active for leukocytes (PubMed:11035086). Positively regulates sperm motility and chemotaxis via its binding to CCR6 which triggers Ca2+ mobilization in the sperm which is important for its motility (PubMed:23765988, PubMed:25122636). Inhibits proliferation of myeloid progenitors in colony formation assays (PubMed:9129037). May be involved in formation and function of the mucosal lymphoid tissues by attracting lymphocytes and dendritic cells towards epithelial cells (By similarity). Possesses antibacterial activity towards E.coli ATCC 25922 and S.aureus ATCC 29213 (PubMed:12149255)

Research & studies

Frequently asked questions

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