chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7 binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7. [GOC:BHF]

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7 (CCL7), also known as monocyte chemoattractant protein 3 (MCP-3), is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family. It plays a critical role in the recruitment and activation of immune cells, particularly monocytes, macrophages, and T lymphocytes.

CCL7 exerts its biological effects by binding to its cognate receptor, CCR1, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) expressed on the surface of immune cells. This binding event triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling events, leading to the activation of various downstream pathways.

**Molecular Function of CCL7 Binding to CCR1:**

1. **Ligand Binding and Receptor Activation:** CCL7 binds to the extracellular domain of CCR1, inducing a conformational change in the receptor that activates its intracellular signaling domains.
2. **G Protein Coupling:** The activated CCR1 receptor interacts with heterotrimeric G proteins, leading to the dissociation of the Gα subunit from the Gβγ dimer.
3. **Signaling Cascades:** The Gα subunit activates downstream signaling pathways, including the phospholipase C (PLC) pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.
4. **Calcium Mobilization:** PLC activation leads to the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol trisphosphate (IP3). IP3 triggers the release of calcium ions (Ca2+) from intracellular stores.
5. **Cell Migration and Chemotaxis:** The increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration and activation of the MAPK pathway contribute to cytoskeletal rearrangements and the formation of lamellipodia, promoting cell migration towards the CCL7 source.
6. **Activation of Immune Cells:** CCL7 binding to CCR1 triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators, leading to the activation and differentiation of immune cells.

**In summary, the binding of CCL7 to CCR1 initiates a complex signaling cascade that ultimately leads to the recruitment and activation of immune cells, contributing to the inflammatory response and immune homeostasis.**'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (32)