Interleukin 8

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a chemokine produced by macrophages and other cell types such as epithelial cells. When first encountering an antigen, the primary cells to encounter it are the macrophages who phagocytose the particle. Upon processing, they release chemokines to signal other immune cells to come in to the site of inflammation. IL-8 is one such chemokine. It serves as a chemical signal that attracts neutrophils at the site of inflammation, and therefore is also known as Neutrophil Chemotactic Factor.

If a pregnant mother has high levels of interleukin-8, she has a higher risk of inducing schizophrenia in her offspring. High levels of Interleukin 8 have been shown to reduce the chance of good treatment responses to antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia. Interleukin-8 is often associated with inflammation.

Note: IL-8 was renamed CXCL8 by the Chemokine Nomenclature Subcommittee of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Immunological Societies, although its approved gene symbol remains IL8.