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Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1

Meaning

Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), also known as Chemokine (C-C motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2), is a small signaling protein that plays a critical role in the inflammatory response by recruiting monocytes to sites of tissue injury or infection. As a potent chemokine, it acts as a molecular beacon, directing immune cells from the bloodstream into the affected tissues. Elevated levels of MCP-1 are clinically recognized as a marker of chronic low-grade inflammation and are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Controlling its expression is a therapeutic target in inflammatory conditions.