CXCL2, also named GRO-β, is belonging to the CXC chemokine family. It is encoded by the gene CXCL2 in humans. CXCL2/GRO-β shares 90 % amino acid sequence with CXCL1/GRO-α. All three human GROs (GRO-α, GRO-β, GRO-γ) are members of the intercrine alpha (chemokine C-X-C) subfamily of chemokine. This chemokine is secreted by monocytes and macrophages. 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.
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