Molecular cloning, functional characterization and mRNA expression analysis of the murine chemokine receptor CCR6 and its specific ligand MIP‐3α1

Abstract
We have cloned the murine CCR6 receptor and its ligand, the β-chemokine mMIP-3α. Calcium mobilization assays performed with mCCR6 transfectants showed significant responses upon addition of mMIP-3α. Murine MIP-3α RNA is expressed in thymus, small intestine and colon, whereas mCCR6 RNA is expressed in spleen and lymph nodes. RT-PCR analysis of FACS-sorted lymphoid and antigen presenting cell subsets showed mCCR6 expression mainly in B cells, CD8− splenic dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells. The cloning and functional characterization of the mCCR6 and mMIP-3α will allow the study of the role of these proteins in mouse models of inflammation and immunity