chemokine receptor activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Combining with a chemokine, and transmitting the signal from one side of the membrane to the other to initiate a change in cell activity. Chemokines are a family of small chemotactic cytokines; their name is derived from their ability to induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells. All chemokines possess a number of conserved cysteine residues involved in intramolecular disulfide bond formation. Some chemokines are considered pro-inflammatory and can be induced during an immune response to recruit cells of the immune system to a site of infection, while others are considered homeostatic and are involved in controlling the migration of cells during normal processes of tissue maintenance or development. Chemokines are found in all vertebrates, some viruses and some bacteria. [GOC:BHF, GOC:rl, GOC:signaling, IUPHAR_GPCR:1280, PMID:12183377, PMID:8662823, Wikipedia:Chemokine]

Chemokine receptors are transmembrane proteins that bind to chemokines, a family of small secreted proteins that act as chemoattractants and regulate cell migration, differentiation, and activation. They play a critical role in the immune system, mediating the recruitment of immune cells to sites of inflammation and infection. Chemokine receptors are also involved in the development and maintenance of lymphoid tissues and the regulation of angiogenesis.

Chemokine receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are characterized by their seven transmembrane domains. Upon binding of a chemokine, the receptor undergoes a conformational change, leading to the activation of a heterotrimeric G protein. This activation results in the production of intracellular signaling molecules, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and inositol triphosphate (IP3), which ultimately trigger downstream signaling cascades and cellular responses.

There are numerous chemokine receptors, each with specific ligand binding preferences and signaling pathways. The different chemokine receptors are classified into four major families: CXC, CC, CX3C, and C. The CXC and CC families are the largest and most well-characterized, with each containing multiple receptors that are involved in diverse biological processes.

Chemokine receptors are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, and their dysregulation can contribute to a variety of diseases. For example, dysregulation of chemokine receptor signaling has been implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases.

Chemokine receptor activity is tightly regulated at multiple levels, including gene expression, protein synthesis, and ligand binding. This intricate regulation ensures that chemokine receptors are appropriately expressed and activated only when necessary.

Overall, chemokine receptors play a critical role in a wide range of physiological processes, and their dysregulation can contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases. Understanding the molecular function of chemokine receptors is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies for these disorders.'
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Proteins (10)

Compounds (75)