chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19. [GOC:BHF]

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19), also known as ELC (EBI1-ligand chemokine), is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family. It plays a critical role in the immune system by mediating the recruitment and activation of immune cells, primarily lymphocytes, to sites of inflammation and infection. CCL19 binds to its cognate receptor CCR7, expressed on naive T lymphocytes, mature dendritic cells (DCs), and certain subsets of B cells. This interaction triggers a signaling cascade within the target cell, leading to a series of events that ultimately result in cell migration. The molecular function of CCL19 binding to CCR7 can be summarized as follows: 1. **Ligand Binding:** CCL19 binds to the extracellular domain of CCR7, specifically to a region known as the N-terminal domain. This binding event is highly specific and involves the interaction of key amino acid residues within the CCL19 and CCR7 molecules. 2. **Conformational Change:** Upon ligand binding, CCR7 undergoes a conformational change. This change allows the intracellular domain of the receptor to interact with intracellular signaling molecules. 3. **Signal Transduction:** The activated CCR7 receptor initiates a signaling cascade involving a series of intracellular proteins. This cascade involves the activation of G proteins, phospholipase C, and downstream kinases, such as protein kinase C (PKC) and MAPKs. 4. **Cellular Response:** The signaling cascade ultimately leads to a variety of cellular responses, including: * **Chemotaxis:** CCL19 binding to CCR7 induces the directed migration of lymphocytes and DCs towards the source of CCL19. This process, known as chemotaxis, is crucial for the efficient recruitment of immune cells to sites of inflammation or infection. * **Cell Adhesion:** CCR7 activation can also influence cell adhesion. CCR7 engagement can enhance the adhesion of lymphocytes to the endothelium of blood vessels, facilitating their entry into tissues. * **Cell Activation:** CCL19 can also activate immune cells, leading to changes in their gene expression and function. For example, CCL19 can promote the maturation and activation of DCs, which are important antigen-presenting cells that initiate immune responses. In summary, the molecular function of CCL19 binding to CCR7 is to initiate a signaling cascade that results in the directed migration, adhesion, and activation of immune cells. This process is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, enabling the recruitment of immune cells to sites of infection and inflammation and the initiation of an effective immune response. '
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)