CCL18. a member of the CC chemokine family (also known as pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine, PARC), is primarily produced by dendritic cells, macrophages, and certain epithelial cells. It binds to the atypical chemokine receptor CCR8. facilitating immune cell recruitment (e.g., T cells, immature dendritic cells) and modulating tissue homeostasis. In physiological conditions, CCL18 supports immune surveillance and tissue repair. However, its dysregulation is implicated in pathological processes, including cancer progression, fibrosis, and chronic inflammation. Elevated CCL18 levels correlate with immunosuppressive microenvironments in tumors, promoting metastasis and resistance to therapy, while in fibrosis (e.g., liver, lung), it drives fibroblast activation and collagen deposition.
CCL18 antibodies, including monoclonal and polyclonal variants, are essential tools for detecting CCL18 expression in research and diagnostics. Neutralizing antibodies specifically target CCL18 to inhibit its interaction with CCR8. offering therapeutic potential. Preclinical studies demonstrate that blocking CCL18 can reduce tumor immunosuppression, limit fibrosis, and attenuate inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. However, challenges remain in optimizing antibody specificity, delivery, and safety for clinical translation. Current research focuses on understanding context-dependent roles of CCL18 and developing bispecific antibodies or antibody-drug conjugates to enhance therapeutic efficacy. These efforts highlight CCL18 as a promising yet complex target for immunomodulatory therapies.