C-X-C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5), also known as epithelial-derived neutrophil-activating peptide 78 (ENA-78), is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family. It is produced following stimulation of cells with the inflammatory cytokines IL-1 or TNF-α. Expression of CXCL5 has also been observed in eosinophils, and can be inhibited with the type II interferon IFN-γ. CXCL5 elicits these effects by interacting with the cell surface chemokine receptor CXCR2. It stimulates the chemotaxis of neutrophils possessing angiogenic properties and has been implicated in connective tissue remodelling. CXCL5 has been also described to regulate neutrophil homeostasis. CXCL5 expression is higher in atherosclerosis (a chronic inflammatory condition) but is not associated with neutrophil infiltration. Instead CXCL5 has a protective role in atherosclerosis by directly controlling macrophage foam cell formation.