Mast cell chemotactic activity of RANTES.

RANTES is a cytokine produced by activated T-lymphocytes that has been shown to exert chemotactic activity for memory-type CD4 T-lymphocytes and eosinophils. In this study, RANTES caused directional migration of human mast cells. When compared to other potential chemoattractants of the same cells, RANTES was found to be more potent than fibronectin and the c-kit receptor ligand, on a molar basis. This cytokine may be a common mechanism in allergic reactions which culminate in the selective migration of memory CD4 T-lymphocytes, eosinophils and mast cells at the tissue site. Asthma and allergic rhinitis may represent possible clinical examples.