Chemokine ligand 17 (CXCL17) is a small cytokine

Cytokine

Cytokines are small cell-signaling protein molecules that are secreted by the glial cells of the nervous system and by numerous cells of the immune system and are a category of signaling molecules used extensively in intercellular communication...

 belonging to the CXC chemokine

Chemokine

Chemokines are a family of small cytokines, or proteins secreted by cells. Their name is derived from their ability to induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells; they are chemotactic cytokines...

 family that has been identified in humans and mice. CXCL17 attracts dendritic cells and monocytes and is regulated in tumors. It is also known as VEGF co-regulated chemokine 1 (VCC-1) and dendritic cell- and monocyte-attracting chemokine-like protein (DMC). This chemokine is constitutively expressed in the lung. The gene for human CXCL17 is located on chromosome 19.