Identification through bioinformatics of two new macrophage proinflammatory human chemokines: MIP-3alpha and MIP-3beta.

An increasing number of proinflammatory peptides, known as chemokines, are constantly being described and characterized. Because of their proven biologic functions in allergy, AIDS and, in general, inflammatory processes, these proteins have recently gained more attention. In this study we report the identification through bioinformatics of two new human chemokines: MIP-3alpha and MIP-3beta. Both of them belong to the beta- or CC chemokine family. Expression studies indicate that MIP-3alpha is predominantly expressed in lymph nodes, appendix, PBL, fetal liver, fetal lung and several cell lines. However, MIP-3beta expression is restricted to lymph nodes, thymus and appendix. Interestingly enough, both chemokines manifested a pattern of expression strongly regulated by IL-10. In contrast with other CC chemokines, MIP-3beta maps to chromosome 9. Here we show the importance of bioinformatics to discover new molecules with possible therapeutic effects and regulatory functions.