Acts as a ligand for C-C chemokine receptor CCR2 (By similarity). Signals through binding and activation of CCR2 and induces a strong chemotactic response and mobilization of intracellular calcium ions (By similarity). Exhibits a chemotactic activity for monocytes and basophils but not neutrophils or eosinophils (By similarity). Plays an important role in mediating peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain (By similarity). Increases NMDA-mediated synaptic transmission in both dopamine D1 and D2 receptor-containing neurons, which may be caused by MAPK/ERK-dependent phosphorylation of GRIN2B/NMDAR2B (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Secreted