MCP 2 (CCL8) binds to CCR2 (CC Chemokine Receptor 2), a G-protein-coupled receptor shared with other chemokines like CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL7 (MCP-3), and CCL13 (MCP-4) . Key functions include:
MCP 2 also binds non-signaling receptors (e.g., D6, DARC), which may modulate its bioavailability .
Limited Data: Most canine chemokine studies focus on MCP-1 or IL-8, leaving MCP 2’s specific mechanisms unexplored .
Reagent Availability: Recombinant MCP 2 is primarily used in vitro (e.g., ELISA assays), with no reported in vivo applications .
The Dog10K database , which integrates genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data, offers potential for identifying MCP 2’s role in disease. For example:
Expression Profiling: Single-cell RNA-seq data could reveal MCP 2 expression patterns in immune cells.
Genetic Variants: SNV analysis may uncover polymorphisms affecting MCP 2 function in breeds prone to immune disorders.
Canine MCP-1 quantification requires rigorous validation of assay specificity and matrix effects. The Quantikine Canine MCP-1 ELISA (R&D Systems) demonstrates:
Precision:
Matrix | Intra-Assay CV% | Inter-Assay CV% |
---|---|---|
Cell Culture Supernate | 5.9 | 12.6 |
EDTA Plasma | 4.0 | 5.6 |
Recovery:
Matrix | Mean Recovery | Range (%) |
---|---|---|
Serum | 93% | 84–102 |
Heparin Plasma | 103% | 96–112 |
Methodological recommendations:
Validate dilution linearity for synovial fluid (SF) samples, as SF viscosity alters analyte recovery
Use heparinized plasma over serum to minimize pre-analytical variability
Account for species-specific epitopes; canine MCP-1 shares 78% homology with human MCP-1 but requires species-matched antibodies
Primary canine adrenocortical cell cultures provide superior predictive value over transfected cell lines:
Model | ACTH EC50 | BIM-22A299 IC50 | Clinical Correlation |
---|---|---|---|
HEK293-MC2R | 0.8 nM | 0.5 nM | Poor (r = 0.12) |
Primary Canine Cells | 3.2 nM | 1.1 μM | Strong (r = 0.87) |
Key findings from in vitro studies :
BIM-22A299 (#299) inhibits 90.7 ± 2.3% cortisol production at 5 μM
Paradoxical agonism observed with BIM-22776 (#776) in basal conditions (15% cortisol increase)
Downregulates StAR (-62%), CYP11B1 (-58%), and MC2R (-41%) mRNA vs. ACTH controls
Methodological implications:
Use physiological ACTH concentrations (50 nM) mimicking pituitary adenoma secretion
Include MRAP co-expression in heterologous systems to maintain receptor trafficking
The Garner et al. (2011) vs. 2020 CrCL rupture study illustrates analytical challenges:
Biomarker | 2011 Study (n=10) | 2020 Study (n=27) | Effect Size (Cohen’s d) |
---|---|---|---|
SF IL-8 | 4.2× increase | 1.8× increase | 0.91 (p=0.03) |
Serum MMP-3 | 3.1× increase | 1.2× increase | 0.34 (p=0.21) |
Recommended analytical framework :
Mixed-effects modeling: Accounts for repeated measures in longitudinal SF sampling
Synovial histopathology grading: Ordinal logistic regression correlates MCP-1 levels with synovitis severity (OR=2.1, 95%CI 1.4–3.0)
ROC analysis: SF MCP-1 AUC=0.82 (SE=0.04) for discriminating OA vs. controls
Cross-species ELISA validation data reveal critical limitations:
Species | Canine MCP-1 ELISA Recovery | Parallelism (R²) |
---|---|---|
Feline | 89% | 0.76 |
Equine | 42% | 0.31 |
Perform spike-and-recovery with ≥4 dilution points
Validate linearity (R² >0.95) across expected concentration ranges
Use Western blot confirmation for borderline cross-reactive species
Lessons from BIM compound development :
Primary adrenocortical cells > transfected cell lines
Measure both cortisol output and steroidogenic gene expression
Co-incubate with 10 nM ACTH for 48h to mimic chronic stimulation
Include MRAP knockdown controls to test accessory protein dependence
Screen against MC1R/MC3R/MC4R using cAMP accumulation assays
Test CNS penetration (logP <2.5 preferred for peripheral restriction)
The BIM-22776 case study demonstrates receptor state-dependent effects:
Condition | BIM-22776 Effect | Mechanism Hypothesis |
---|---|---|
Basal (no ACTH) | 15% ↑ cortisol | Inverse agonism at constitutively active MC2R |
ACTH-stimulated | 38% ↓ cortisol | Competitive antagonism |
Mitigation strategies:
Pre-screen compounds using β-arrestin recruitment assays
Test in multiple receptor conformations (GDP-bound vs. GTP-bound states)
Use site-directed mutagenesis to identify allosteric binding pockets
Combining SF analytics with serum markers increases diagnostic accuracy:
Model | AUC (Single Marker) | AUC (Combined Panel) |
---|---|---|
MCP-1 alone | 0.79 | - |
MCP-1 + MMP-3 + Synovial Grade | - | 0.93 |
Principal component analysis: Reduces 12 biomarkers to 3 orthogonal factors
Machine learning: Random Forest classifiers achieve 89% accuracy with feature importance ranking
Longitudinal modeling: Generalized estimating equations track post-surgical biomarker trajectories
Multicenter study data highlight preanalytical variables:
Variable | MCP-1 Concentration (pg/mL) | p-value |
---|---|---|
Serum vs. EDTA Plasma | 112 vs. 98 | 0.003 |
4°C Storage >24h | 15% increase | 0.01 |
Hemolysis (>200 mg/dL Hb) | 38% increase | <0.001 |
Collect in EDTA tubes with protease inhibitors
Process within 2h at 4°C
Store at -80°C in aliquots (≤2 freeze-thaw cycles)
From BIM-22A299 preclinical data :
Three-compartment model parameters:
Vd: 1.2 L/kg (high tissue distribution)
t½α: 0.8h, t½β: 4.2h
EC50 cortisol suppression: 1.1 μM
PK/PD linkage:
Where γ = 2.1 (steep concentration-response curve)
Dosing optimization:
Target trough concentrations >3× EC50
Account for circadian ACTH rhythms in dosing schedule
Comparative analysis of failed vs. promising compounds:
Parameter | GPS1573 | BIM-22A299 |
---|---|---|
In vitro IC50 | 2 nM | 1.1 μM |
In vivo efficacy | None at 10 mg/kg | 62% cortisol reduction at 5 mg/kg |
MRAP dependence | Yes (R²=0.94) | No (R²=0.12) |
Validation roadmap:
Primary cell potency testing (avoid overexpression artifacts)
Chronic dosing studies (>28 days to assess adrenal adaptation)
CNS penetration assays (ensure blood-brain barrier retention <5%)
Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-2 (MCP-2), also known as CCL8, is a member of the C-C chemokine family. Chemokines are small cytokines or signaling proteins secreted by cells, and they play a crucial role in immune responses by directing the migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation or injury. MCP-2/CCL8 is particularly known for its ability to attract monocytes, a type of white blood cell, to areas where they are needed.
The CCL8 protein is produced as a precursor containing 109 amino acids, which is cleaved to produce the mature CCL8 containing 75 amino acids . The gene for CCL8 is encoded by three exons and is located within a large cluster of CC chemokines on chromosome 17q11.2 in humans . This gene organization is conserved across various species, including canines.
MCP-2/CCL8 is implicated in allergic responses through its ability to activate mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils . It signals through several G protein-coupled receptors, including CCR1, CCR2B, and CCR5 . These receptors are expressed on the surface of various immune cells, and their activation leads to a cascade of intracellular events that result in cell migration and activation.
The ability of MCP-2/CCL8 to attract monocytes and other immune cells makes it a key player in inflammatory diseases. Elevated levels of CCL8 have been observed in conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain infections. Understanding the role of CCL8 in these diseases can help in developing targeted therapies that modulate its activity.
Recombinant CCL8 is produced using genetic engineering techniques where the CCL8 gene is inserted into an expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the protein in large quantities. This recombinant protein can be used in research to study its function and in developing potential therapeutic applications.