Background：CCL20, also known as macrophage infiltrating factor protein 3α, is a C-C chemokine that specifically binds to the receptor CCR6. CCL20 is produced in various tissues and by a wide range of immune cells, including neutrophils, natural killer cells, T-helper type 17(Th17) cells, B cells, and various antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells(DCs), Langerhans cells, and macrophages. Increased expression of CCL20 is likely involved in the increased recruitment of dendritic cells observed in fibroinflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). CCL20 expression is increased by the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta.
