The role of CCL20 in infectious diseases

CCL20 is a key chemokine that regulatess immune cell dynamics, with prior reviews primarily focusing on its roles in tumorigenesis via the CCL20-CCR6 (CC chemokine receptor 6) axis. This review synthesizes emerging evidence of CCL20's critical functions in infectious diseases, spanning bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. We systematically discuss its production mechanisms, pathophysiological impacts (including immune cell recruitment, inflammatory response modulation, and tissue repair), clinical potential as a biomarker for disease severity, and therapeutic opportunities targeting its dual roles in host defense and immune pathology.Mechanistically, CCL20 orchestrates pathogen clearance and immune homeostasis by binding CCR6 to recruit dendritic cells, Th17 cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), while its overexpression drives excessive inflammation and tissue damage in conditions like tuberculosis, sepsis, and HIV infection. Clinical studies highlight correlations between elevated CCL20 levels and disease progression, underscoring its utility as a prognostic marker. Therapeutic strategies targeting the CCL20-CCR6 axis aim to balance its protective immune-enhancing effects with its pro-inflammatory risks, including developing receptor antagonists to mitigate excessive inflammation and leveraging its chemotactic properties to enhance vaccine efficacy. By bridging basic immunology with translational research, this review provides a comprehensive framework for understanding CCL20 in infectious diseases, offering critical insights for developing precision therapies that harness its dual functions while minimizing collateral damage.