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

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

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

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.

See also

• Interleukin
• Interleukin-8
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Neutrophil