CCL17 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 17), also known as thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), is a small cytokine involved in immune regulation. It binds to the CCR4 receptor, guiding the migration of Th2 cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and dendritic cells to sites of inflammation. CCL17 is implicated in allergic diseases (e.g., asthma, atopic dermatitis), autoimmune disorders, and cancer, where it can promote immune evasion by recruiting immunosuppressive cells.
CCL17 antibodies are immunodetection or neutralizing tools developed to study or therapeutically target this chemokine. Polyclonal or monoclonal CCL17 antibodies are widely used in research for quantifying CCL17 levels (via ELISA, flow cytometry) or visualizing its expression in tissues (via immunohistochemistry). Neutralizing antibodies block CCL17-CCR4 interactions, potentially suppressing pathological immune responses. Preclinical studies suggest their utility in reducing inflammation in allergic models or inhibiting tumor progression by disrupting CCR4-mediated immunosuppression.
While no CCL17-targeting antibody has been approved for clinical use, ongoing research explores their therapeutic potential, particularly in combination with checkpoint inhibitors. Challenges include optimizing specificity and managing systemic effects due to CCR4's broad expression. These antibodies remain vital for deciphering CCL17's roles in disease and developing precision immunotherapies.