This antimicrobial gene encodes a member of the chemokine superfamily. Chemokines function in inflammatory and immunological responses, inducing leukocyte migration and activation. The encoded protein is a member of the C-chemokine subfamily, retaining only two of four cysteines conserved in other chemokines, and is thought to be specifically chemotactic for T cells. This gene and a closely related family member are located on the long arm of chromosome 1.