Human chemokine &bgr;-6 agonist and antagonist polypeptides and DNA encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. The chemokine &bgr;-6 antagonists of the present invention may be employed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lung inflammation, allergy, asmtha, infectious diseases and to prevent inflammation and atherosclerosis. The chemokine &bgr;-6 agonists may be employed to myeloprotect patients undergoing chemotherapy.