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Interleukin 8

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interleukin 8
Symbol(s): IL8
Locus: 4 q13 -q21
EC number [1]
EntrezGene 3576
OMIM 146930
RefSeq NM_000584
UniProt P10145

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a chemokine produced by macrophages and other cell types such as epithelial cells. When first encountering an antigen, the primary cells to encounter it are the macrophages who phagocytose the particle. Upon processing, they release chemokines to signal other immune cells to come in to the site of inflammation. IL-8 is one such chemokine. It serves as a chemical signal that attracts neutrophils at the site of inflammation, and therefore is also known as Neutrophil Chemotactic Factor.

If a pregnant mother has high levels of interleukin-8, she has a higher risk of inducing schizophrenia in her offspring.[1] High levels of Interleukin 8 have been shown to reduce the chance of good treatment responses to antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia.[2] Interleukin-8 is often associated with inflammation.

Note: IL-8 was renamed CXCL8 by the Chemokine Nomenclature Subcommittee of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Immunological Societies, although its approved gene symbol remains IL8.


  1. Brown AS, Hooton J, Schaefer CA, Zhang H, Petkova E, Babulas V, Perrin M, Gorman JM, Susser ES. Elevated maternal interleukin-8 levels and risk of schizophrenia in adult offspring. Am J Psychiatry. 2004 May;161(5):889-95. Abstract fulltext
  2. Zhang XY, Zhou DF, Cao LY, Zhang PY, Wu GY, Shen YC. Changes in serum interleukin-2, -6, and -8 levels before and during treatment with risperidone and haloperidol: relationship to outcome in schizophrenia. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004 Jul;65(7):940-7.

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