CXCL9(74-103) is a peptide corresponding to the C-terminal amino acids of the chemokine CXCL9. CXCL9(74-103) does not signal through or act as an antagonist for CXCR3, the CXCL9 receptor, or influence the neutrophil chemotactic activity of CXCL8 in vitro, but it does display high affinity for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and can displace chemokines bound to GAGs. CXCL8 and CXCL9 drive leukocyte migration to inflammation sites and through this inhibition of the chemokine-GAG interaction, CXCL9(74-103) can block neutrophil migration. In vivo, CXCL9(74-103) ameliorates joint inflammation in a murine model of antigen induced arthritis, reducing neutrophil accumulation and joint and cartilage damage, and is also effective in a murine model of gout.
