Acts as a ligand for C-C chemokine receptor CCR2 (PubMed:9837883, PubMed:10587439, PubMed:10529171). Signals through binding and activation of CCR2 and induces a strong chemotactic response and mobilization of intracellular calcium ions (PubMed:9837883, PubMed:10587439). Exhibits a chemotactic activity for monocytes and basophils but not neutrophils or eosinophils (PubMed:8627182, PubMed:9792674, PubMed:8195247). May be involved in the recruitment of monocytes into the arterial wall during the disease process of atherosclerosis (PubMed:8107690). Monomer or homodimer; in equilibrium (PubMed:8898111, PubMed:9837883, PubMed:15033992, PubMed:8989326). Is tethered on endothelial cells by glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains of proteoglycans (PubMed:9792674). Interacts with TNFAIP6 (via Link domain). Expressed in the seminal plasma, endometrial fluid and follicular fluid (at protein level) (PubMed:23765988). Expressed in monocytes (PubMed:2513477). Up-regulated upon hypertonic conditions (PubMed:23233732). In pancreatic islets, secretion is stimulated by IL1B (PubMed:23955712). Processing at the N-terminus can regulate receptor and target cell selectivity (PubMed:8627182). Deletion of the N-terminal residue converts it from an activator of basophil to an eosinophil chemoattractant (PubMed:8627182). N-Glycosylated. Genetic variations in CCL2 determine Mycobacterium tuberculosis susceptibility [MIM:607948]. Belongs to the intercrine beta (chemokine CC) family. CCL2 entry