Chemotactic factor that mediates inflammatory response by attracting neutrophils, basophils, and T-cells to clear pathogens and protect the host from infection. Also plays an important role in neutrophil activation. Released in response to an inflammatory stimulus, exerts its effect by binding to the G-protein-coupled receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2, primarily found in neutrophils, monocytes and endothelial cells.