Acts as a ligand for C-C chemokine receptor CCR6. Signals through binding and activation of CCR6 and induces a strong chemotactic response and mobilization of intracellular calcium ions. The ligand-receptor pair CCL20-CCR6 is responsible for the chemotaxis of dendritic cells (DC), effector/memory T-cells and B-cells and plays an important role at skin and mucosal surfaces under homeostatic and inflammatory conditions, as well as in pathology, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. CCL20 acts as a chemotactic factor that attracts lymphocytes and, slightly, neutrophils, but not monocytes. Involved in the recruitment of both the proinflammatory IL17 producing helper T-cells (Th17) and the regulatory T-cells (Treg) to sites of inflammation. Required for optimal migration of thymic natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) and DN1 early thymocyte progenitor cells. Positively regulates sperm motility and chemotaxis via its binding to CCR6 which triggers Ca2+ mobilization in the sperm which is important for its motility. May be involved in formation and function of the mucosal lymphoid tissues by attracting lymphocytes and dendritic cells towards epithelial cells.

1. The results suggest a potential mechanism for the recruitment of IL-17-producing cells to degenerated intervertebral discs via a CCL20/CCR6 axis in vivo. PMID: 26704184
2. Data show that systemic inflammatory reaction to raumatic brain injury starts before local brain response and suggest that CCL20 might play a role in promoting neuronal injury and central nervous system inflammation in response to mild TBI. PMID: 22040257
3. the role of TGF beta 1 in high glucose-induced MIP-3 alpha expression PMID: 17664181
4. These findings suggest that MIP-3alpha/Ccl20 plays a pivotal role in inflammatory cascades in ischemic brains, and may be a novel therapeutic target for cerebral ischemia. PMID: 19428685

Secreted.

Intercrine beta (chemokine CC) family

Low levels in thymus and lung.

KEGG: rno:29538

STRING: 10116.ENSRNOP00000021730

UniGene: Rn.10722