CCL2, also known as monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF), was initially purified independently by two groups based on its ability to chemoattract monocytes. Subsequent to its cloning and sequencing, it became evident that this protein is also identical to the product of the human JE gene. The JE gene, originally identified in mouse fibroblasts, is a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-inducible gene. The human CCL2 cDNA encodes a 99 amino acid residue precursor protein with a 23 residue hydrophobic signal peptide that is cleaved to generate the 76 residue mature protein. Natural CCL2 is heterogeneous in size due to the addition of O-linked carbohydrates and sialic acid residues. In addition to fibroblasts; tumor cells, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and mononuclear phagocytes can also produce CCL2 either constitutively or upon stimulation by various stimuli. CCL2 is a member of the  beta (C-C) subfamily of chemokines. The existence of MCP-2 and MCP-3 with 62% and 73% amino acid identity respectively, to CCL2 have been reported.

Consistent with it being a member of the chemokine beta family, CCL2 has been shown to chemoattract monocytes. In addition, it will also activate monocytes to be cytostatic for some human tumor cell lines; to increase cytosolic free calcium; to generate and release monocyte superoxide anions and to release monocyte lysosomal enzymes in vitro. CCL2 was reported to be capable of regulating adhesion molecule expression and cytokine production in human monocytes as well as chemoattracting, activating, and inducing histamine release from basophils. The biological roles played by CCL2 in a number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory disease states characterized by the accumulation of leukocytes at the site of the lesion, including atherosclerosis, delayed hypersensitivity reactions, etc., are being determined. CCL2 can bind to the C-C chemokine receptor-1 that also binds MIP-1 alpha, RANTES and MIP-1 beta. A specific receptor for CCL2 has also been cloned from THP-1 and MonoMac 6 cells.

Association of MIF, but not type I interferon-induced chemokines, with increased disease activity in Asian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Sci Rep, 2016;6(0):29909.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Serum

A multiplex immunoassay for human adipokine profiling.
Authors: Schipper HS, De Jager W, van Dijk ME, Meerding J, Zelissen PM, Adan RA, Prakken BJ, Kalkhoven E
Clin. Chem., 2010;56(0):1320.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Cell Culture Supernates
Application: Luminex Development
Noninvasive detection of acute and chronic injuries in human renal transplant by elevation of multiple cytokines/chemokines in urine.
Authors: Hu H, Kwun J, Aizenstein BD, Knechtle SJ
Transplantation, 2009;87(12):1814-20.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Urine
Application: Antibody Array Development
Synergistic up-regulation of MCP-2/CCL8 activity is counteracted by chemokine cleavage, limiting its inflammatory and anti-tumoral effects.
Authors: Struyf S, Proost P, Vandercappellen J
Eur. J. Immunol., 2009;39(3):843-57.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Cell Culture Supernates
Application: ELISA Development
Resistance of human alveolar macrophages to Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin.
Authors: Wu W, Mehta H, Chakrabarty K, Booth JL, Duggan ES, Patel KB, Ballard JD, Coggeshall KM, Metcalf JP
J. Immunol., 2009;183(9):5799-806.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Cell Culture Supernates
Application: ELISA Development
Abnormal activation and cytokine spectra in lymph nodes of people chronically infected with HIV-1.
Authors: Biancotto A, Grivel JC, Iglehart SJ, Vanpouille C, Lisco A, Sieg SF, Debernardo R, Garate K, Rodriguez B, Margolis LB, Lederman MM
Blood, 2007;109(10):4272-9.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Cell Culture Supernates
Application: Luminex Development
Eotaxin-2 and colorectal cancer: a potential target for immune therapy.
Authors: Cheadle EJ, Riyad K, Subar D, Rothwell DG, Ashton G, Batha H, Sherlock DJ, Hawkins RE, Gilham DE
Clin. Cancer Res., 2007;13(19):5719-28.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Tissue Homogenates
Application: ELISA Development
Ultrasensitive flow-based immunoassays using single-molecule counting.
Authors: Todd J, Freese B, Lu A, Held D, Morey J, Livingston R, Goix P
Clin. Chem., 2007;53(11):1990-5.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Plasma
Application: ELISA Development
Effect of serum content and diluent selection on assay sensitivity and signal intensity in multiplex bead-based immunoassays.
Authors: Pfleger C, Schloot N, ter Veld F
J. Immunol. Methods, 2007;329(1):214-8.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Serum
Application: Luminex Development
Fluorescence single-molecule counting assays for high-sensitivity detection of cytokines and chemokines.
Authors: Qui H, Ferrell EP, Nolan N, Phelps BH, Tabibiazar R, Whitney DH, Naelfski EA
Clin. Chem., 2007;53(11):2010-2.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Plasma
Application: ELISA Development
Rapid chemokine secretion from endothelial cells originates from 2 distinct compartments.
Authors: Oynebraten I, Bakke O, Brandtzaeg P, Johansen FE, Haraldsen G
Blood, 2004;104(2):314-20.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Cell Lysates
Application: ELISA Development
trans fatty acids and systemic inflammation in heart failure.
Authors: Mozaffarian D, Rimm EB, King IB, Lawler RL, McDonald GB, Levy WC
Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 2004;80(6):1521-5.
Species: Human
Sample Type: Plasma
Application: ELISA Development