Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1, also known as CCL2) is a key chemokine that regulates the migration and infiltration of monocytes and macrophages. MCP-1 is produced by various cell types, including endothelial, fibroblasts, epithelial, smooth muscle, mesangial, astrocytic, monocytic, and microglial cells. It plays a crucial role in immune surveillance and immune modulation, as well as in clearing acute viral infections. MCP-1 acts through its receptor, CCR2, which is expressed on certain leukocyte types. The structure of MCP-1 consists of four β-sheets and two α-helices, and it can form dimers. Genetic variations in the MCP-2 gene, such as the -2578G allele, have been associated with an increased risk of HIV-1 infection and accelerated disease progression. MCP-1 is also involved in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease. In cardiovascular disease, MCP-1 contributes to atherosclerosis by attracting monocytes via CCR2 activation. In cancer, MCP-1 expression is correlated with tumor-associated macrophage infiltration and poor survival in breast cancer. In neurological disorders, MCP-1 levels are elevated in astrocytes, leading to neuronal death. Future research should focus on identifying key early events that initiate the inflammatory cycle and developing safe strategies to control undesirable effects of chronic inflammation without compromising beneficial immune responses.Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1, also known as CCL2) is a key chemokine that regulates the migration and infiltration of monocytes and macrophages. MCP-1 is produced by various cell types, including endothelial, fibroblasts, epithelial, smooth muscle, mesangial, astrocytic, monocytic, and microglial cells. It plays a crucial role in immune surveillance and immune modulation, as well as in clearing acute viral infections. MCP-1 acts through its receptor, CCR2, which is expressed on certain leukocyte types. The structure of MCP-1 consists of four β-sheets and two α-helices, and it can form dimers. Genetic variations in the MCP-2 gene, such as the -2578G allele, have been associated with an increased risk of HIV-1 infection and accelerated disease progression. MCP-1 is also involved in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease. In cardiovascular disease, MCP-1 contributes to atherosclerosis by attracting monocytes via CCR2 activation. In cancer, MCP-1 expression is correlated with tumor-associated macrophage infiltration and poor survival in breast cancer. In neurological disorders, MCP-1 levels are elevated in astrocytes, leading to neuronal death. Future research should focus on identifying key early events that initiate the inflammatory cycle and developing safe strategies to control undesirable effects of chronic inflammation without compromising beneficial immune responses.