The protein encoded by this gene interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a CXC chemokine and major mediator of the inflammatory response IL-8 is secreted by various cells including macrophages neutrophils and T lymphocytes and acts as a chemotactic factor guiding neutrophils to infection sites It is rapidly induced by bacterial and viral products and plays a role in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) IL-8 contributes to bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and is involved in lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis It is also linked to coronary artery disease endothelial dysfunction and promotes tumor migration angiogenesis and metastasis IL-8 binds to the CXCR2 receptor increasing blood vessel permeability Elevated IL-8 levels correlate with disease severity including sepsis This gene is part of a CXC chemokine gene cluster on chromosome 4q