Rat CXCL2 also named CINC-3, belongs to the CXC chemokine family. It is encoded by the gene CXCL2 and shares 90 % amino acid sequence with CXCL1/GROα. It is member of the intercrine alpha (chemokine C-X-C) subfamily of chemokines. This chemokine is expressed by cytokine-stimulated rat alveolar macrophages and fibroblasts. The functional receptor for CXCL2 has been identified as CXCR2. CXCL2 is chemotactic for polymorphonuclear leukocytes and hematopoietic stem cells. Similar to other GRO proteins, CXCL2 is potent neutrophil attractants and activators. In addition, it is also active toward basophils. The amino acid sequence of rat CXCL2 is 88 % identical to murine CXCL2.
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