CCL22 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 22), also known as macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) or STCP-1. is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family. It is primarily produced by dendritic cells, macrophages, and certain epithelial or tumor cells. CCL22 binds to the CCR4 receptor, playing a key role in recruiting immune cells like Th2 lymphocytes and regulatory T cells (Tregs), thereby modulating immune responses. Its involvement in immune regulation makes it a critical player in pathologies such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In tumor microenvironments, CCL22 overexpression often correlates with Treg infiltration, contributing to immunosuppression and tumor progression.
CCL22 antibodies are tools designed to detect, quantify, or neutralize CCL22 in experimental or therapeutic contexts. They are widely used in research to study CCL22's biological functions, signaling pathways, and its role in disease mechanisms. These antibodies (monoclonal or polyclonal) are validated for applications like ELISA, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Specificity and sensitivity are critical for distinguishing CCL22 from homologous chemokines. Therapeutic CCL22-neutralizing antibodies are under exploration to block the CCL22/CCR4 axis, aiming to counteract immunosuppression in cancers or inflammatory conditions. Validation via knockout controls or functional assays (e.g., chemotaxis inhibition) ensures antibody reliability. Understanding CCL22-antibody interactions also supports biomarker discovery and drug development targeting chemokine-mediated immune evasion.