Chemokine that acts as chemoattractant for monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells (PubMed:24973458). Plays a role in angiogenesis and possibly in the development of tumors (PubMed:16989774). Acts as an anti-inflammatory in the stomach. May play a role in the innate defense against infections. Activates the C-X-C chemokine receptor GPR35 to induce a rapid and transient rise in the level of intracellular calcium ions. Detected in lung, trachea, lung, tongue thyroid, submaxillary gland, epididymis, and uterus tissues and at a lower level in ovary, prostate and in intestinal tissues. Likely to undergo an endoproteolytic process to form a four-cysteine-containing mature peptide with a canonical CXC chemokine scaffold after secretion. Mice show no defects in breeding or gross anatomy development, and they gained weight normally but exhibit a paucity of macrophages in the lungs (PubMed:24973458). All the mice injected with NIH3T3 cells over-expressing Cxcl17 develop rapidly progressing tumors within 21 days. Belongs to the intercrine alpha (chemokine CxC) family.