From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a
chemokine produced by macrophages and other cell types such as
epithelial cells. It is also synthesized by endothelial cells,
which store IL-8 in their storage vesicles, the Weibel-Palade
bodies. In humans, the interleukin-8 protein is encoded by the
IL8 gene. There are more receptors of the surface membrane
capable to bind IL-8. The most frequently studied types are the
G protein coupled serpentine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2.
Expression and affinity to IL-8 is different in the two
receptors (CXCR1 > CXCR2). Toll-like receptors are the receptors
of the innate immune system. These receptors recognize antigen
patterns (like LPS in gram negative bacteria). Through a chain
of biochemical reactions IL-8 is secreted and is an important
mediator of the immune reaction in the innate immune system The
protein encoded by this gene is a member of the CXC chemokine
family. This chemokine is one of the major mediators of the
inflammatory response. This chemoki