CCL21. a member of the CC chemokine family, is a small cytokine primarily produced by stromal cells in lymphoid tissues and endothelial cells. It plays a critical role in immune cell trafficking by binding to the CCR7 receptor, guiding dendritic cells, T cells, and other leukocytes to secondary lymphoid organs. This chemokine exists in two isoforms (CCL21a and CCL21b) with distinct C-terminal regions, influencing their localization and function. Dysregulation of CCL21 is implicated in autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and cancer metastasis, particularly in lymph node dissemination.
CCL21 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and studying this chemokine’s expression, distribution, and mechanistic roles. They are widely used in techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry to map CCL21 in tissues or assess its secretion in disease models. Neutralizing CCL21 antibodies can block CCR7-mediated signaling, enabling researchers to explore its contribution to immune responses or tumor microenvironments. In therapeutic contexts, anti-CCL21 strategies are being investigated to modulate immune cell recruitment in autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) or inhibit cancer spread. Both monoclonal and polyclonal variants are available, with monoclonal antibodies offering higher specificity for targeted research. Recent studies also highlight CCL21’s role in lymphoid neogenesis and tertiary lymphoid structure formation, expanding its relevance in immunotherapy and vaccine development.