Interleukin-8 receptor

Interleukin-8 receptor (also known as IL-8R) is a type of protein that is encoded by the IL8R gene in humans. It is a part of the interleukin family, which is a group of signaling molecules used extensively in intercellular communication. The Interleukin-8 receptor is primarily involved in the immune response, playing a crucial role in the body's defense against infections and diseases.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The Interleukin-8 receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which is a large protein family of receptors that detect molecules outside the cell and activate internal signal transduction pathways. The IL-8R is composed of seven transmembrane domains, an extracellular N-terminus, and an intracellular C-terminus.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the Interleukin-8 receptor is to bind with Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine produced by various cells in response to an inflammatory stimulus. This binding triggers a cascade of intracellular events leading to the activation of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Neutrophils are key players in the immune response, as they are among the first cells to arrive at the site of an infection.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Alterations in the function or expression of the Interleukin-8 receptor can lead to various health conditions. Overexpression of IL-8R has been associated with several types of cancer, including breast cancer and colorectal cancer. On the other hand, a deficiency in IL-8R can result in increased susceptibility to infections.