Osteoarthritis

MCP1, also known as CCL2, is a small chemokine factor belonging to the CC chemokine family. It is predominantly produced by endothelial cells and macrophages, and specifically is a chemoattractant for monocytes and basophils. It is produced by a wide range of cell types in reaction to diverse inflammatory stimuli including tissue injury, infection, and inflammation.

Aggrecan is essential for the normal function of articular cartilage and intervertebral discs. Aggrecan provides the ability for the tissues to withstand compressive loading. This property is dependent on both the high charge density endowed by its numerous chondroitin and keratan sulfate chains and its ability to form large molecular aggregates interacting with hyaluronans. Degradation of Aggrecan via the action of proteases takes place throughout life and the degradation products which accumulate in the tissue and impair its function.