JE/MCP-1: an early-response gene encodes a monocyte-specific cytokine.

The JE gene was one of the first growth-factor-inducible early-response genes to be identified. Sequence and expression analysis have revealed that JE encodes the monocyte-specific cytokine MCP-1 (also known as MCAF, TDCF, and SMC-CF). JE/MCP-1 specifically attracts monocytes in vitro and in vivo, but has no detectable effects on neutrophils or lymphocytes. In addition, JE/MCP-1 can suppress tumor formation in animal models by attracting and activating monocytes. These discoveries have drawn together the investigations of those who study the molecular basis of cell proliferation and those who work on the molecular basis of the inflammatory response.