Chemokine receptors are crucial in the immune system, facilitating the migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation. They are classified into several families, including CC, CXC, CX3C, and XC. Antibodies targeting these receptors can modulate immune responses and are being explored for therapeutic applications.
The CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) is a receptor for several CC chemokines, including CCL5/RANTES, CCL7/MCP-3, and CCL11/eotaxin. It is expressed on eosinophils, basophils, a subset of Th2 lymphocytes, mast cells, and airway epithelial cells. CCR3 plays a significant role in allergic diseases such as asthma and ocular allergies.
Eosinophilic Inflammation Reduction: Anti-CCR3 antibodies have been shown to reduce eosinophilic inflammation significantly. In mouse models, these antibodies decreased the number of eosinophils in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa, thereby reducing tissue damage associated with eosinophilic inflammation .
Epitope Mapping: Studies have identified specific epitopes on the CCR3 receptor recognized by monoclonal antibodies. For example, the N-terminal region of mouse CCR3 is crucial for the binding of certain monoclonal antibodies .
The CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) is involved in the migration of immune cells and cancer cells. It interacts with its ligand, CX3CL1 (fractalkine), which is a chemoattractant for cells expressing CX3CR1.
| Chemokine Receptor | Antibody Function | Therapeutic Potential |
|---|---|---|
| CCR3 | Reduces eosinophilic inflammation | Allergic diseases, asthma |
| CX3CR1 | Blocks tumor cell migration and immune evasion | Cancer immunotherapy |
KEGG: ath:AT3G14070
STRING: 3702.AT3G14070.1