CXCL5 is a small cytokine also known as epithelial-derived neutrophil-activating peptide 78 (ENA-78). The gene for human CXCL5 is encoded by four exons which belong to CXCL5 gene located on human chromosome 4. The protein is produced following stimulation of cells with the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In vitro, ENA-78 (8-78) and ENA-78 (9-78) show a threefold higher chemotactic activity for neutrophil granulocytes. They are produced by proteolytic cleavage after secretion from peripheral blood monocytes. Recombinant human CXCL5 (5 - 78 a.a.) contains 74 amino acids and it is a single non-glycosylated polypeptide chain. Human CXCL5 shares 57 % amino acid sequence identity with mouse and rat CXCL5.