This gene is one of several CC cytokine genes clustered on the p-arm of chromosome 9. Cytokines are a family of secreted proteins involved in immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. The CC cytokines are proteins characterized by two adjacent cysteines.
The gene in question is part of a cluster of several CC immune response genes located on the p-arm of chromosome 9. Immune response genes, which include cytokines and chemokines, play a role in regulating and inducing inflammation. The CC immune response genes are distinguished by having two adjacent cysteine residues.