Here's more ammunition for your exploding head:

Here's more ammunition for your exploding head:

I finally asked AI why CCL-5 is also called RANTES

Got this in about 2 seconds:

why is CCL-5 called RANTES

Copilot
CCL5, also known as RANTES (which stands for Regulated upon Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and presumably Secreted), is a protein encoded by the CCL5 gene in humans1. Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind its name:

Discovery and Localization:
The CCL5 gene was discovered in 1990 using in situ hybridization techniques, and it is localized on the 17q11.2-q12 chromosome1.
Initially, it was identified as a transcript expressed in T cells but not in B cells2.
The Birth of “RANTES”:
Dr. Tom Schall, the scientist who described this protein, gave it the name “RANTES”.
The inspiration for this quirky acronym came from an Argentine movie titled “Man Facing Southeast”.
In the movie, an alien appears in a mental ward, and his name is “Rantés”.
The rather clunky acronym “RANTES” was created to fit this name1.
Function and Properties:
CCL5/RANTES belongs to the CC subfamily of chemokines due to its adjacent cysteines near the N terminus.
It is an 8 kDa protein acting as a classical chemotactic cytokine or chemokine.
CCL5 plays several roles:
It recruits leukocytes to sites of inflammation, making it a proinflammatory chemokine.
It is chemotactic for T cells, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and mastocytes.
In collaboration with specific cytokines (such as IL-2 and IFN-γ), it induces the proliferation and activation of certain NK cells to form CC-Chemokine-activated killer (CHAK) cells.
Interestingly, it also acts as an HIV-suppressive factor released from CD8+ T cells1.
Expression and Receptors:
CCL5 is mainly expressed by T cells and monocytes.
It has not been shown to be expressed by B cells.
It is also abundantly expressed by epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and thrombocytes.
Although it can bind to receptors CCR1, CCR3, CCR4, and CCR5, it has the highest affinity to CCR5.
CCR5 is found on the surface of T cells, smooth muscle endothelial cells, epithelial cells, parenchymal cells, and other cell types1.
In summary, CCL5/RANTES is a multifunctional protein with intriguing origins and vital roles in immune responses and inflammation. Its whimsical name adds a touch of cinematic charm to the world of molecular biology!