CC chemokine receptor

CC chemokine receptor (CCR) is a type of protein that is found on the surface of certain cells, and is involved in the immune response. CCRs are part of the larger family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are responsible for transmitting signals from outside the cell to the inside.

Structure

CC chemokine receptors are characterized by their seven-transmembrane domain structure. This means that they span the cell membrane seven times, with both the N-terminus and the C-terminus located inside the cell. The seven transmembrane domains are connected by three extracellular and three intracellular loops.

Function

The primary function of CC chemokine receptors is to bind to chemokines, which are small proteins that act as chemical messengers in the immune system. When a chemokine binds to a CCR, it triggers a cascade of intracellular events that ultimately leads to a response, such as cell migration or the release of inflammatory mediators.

There are several different types of CC chemokine receptors, each of which binds to a specific set of chemokines. For example, CCR5 binds to the chemokines CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5, while CCR7 binds to CCL19 and CCL21.

Clinical significance

CC chemokine receptors play a crucial role in many diseases, including HIV infection, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. For example, the HIV virus uses CCR5 as a co-receptor to enter cells, and individuals who lack CCR5 are resistant to certain strains of HIV. In cancer, CCRs are often overexpressed on tumor cells, and blocking their function can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.

Research

Research into CC chemokine receptors is ongoing, with the aim of developing new treatments for diseases in which these receptors play a role. This includes the development of drugs that can block the function of specific CCRs, as well as the use of CCRs as targets for immunotherapy.

This GPCR-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.