该基因编码的蛋白是CXC趋化因子家族的一员，是炎症反应的主要介质编码的蛋白质主要由中性粒细胞分泌，在中性粒细胞中，它通过引导中性粒细胞到达感染部位起到趋化因子的作用。这种趋化因子也是一种有效的血管生成因子。该基因被认为在毛细支气管炎（一种由病毒感染引起的常见呼吸道疾病）的发病机制中起作用。该基因和CXC趋化因子基因家族的其他成员在4q染色体区域形成一个基因簇。[由RefSeq提供，2017年8月]
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the CXC chemokine family and is a major mediator of the inflammatory response. The encoded protein is secreted primarily by neutrophils, where it serves as a chemotactic factor by guiding the neutrophils to the site of infection. This chemokine is also a potent angiogenic factor. This gene is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchiolitis, a common respiratory tract disease caused by viral infection. This gene and other members of the CXC chemokine gene family form a gene cluster in a region of chromosome 4q. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2017]