Background of the antigen
Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is a secreted protein with a neutrophil chemotactic activity. LECT2 is highly expressed in liver and shows diffuse immunostaining within the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. The LECT2 protein consists of 133 amino acids and three intramolecular disulfide bonds, and homologues of LECT2 have been widely identified in many vertebrates. LECT2 has a multifunctional role that extends from cell growth, differentiation, damage/repair process and carcinogenesis to autoimmune diseases. LECT2 expression is specifically induced in liver by β-catenin signaling. Serum LECT2 levels have been shown to increase in response to liver recovery, suggesting LECT2 may be used as a prognostic indicator.