CCR2
Description
The CCR2 (C-C motif chemokine receptor 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3.
CCR2, also known as CD192, is a protein encoded by the CCR2 gene. It is a CC chemokine receptor that binds to monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2), a chemokine that mediates monocyte chemotaxis. CCL2 is involved in monocyte infiltration in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and in the inflammatory response against tumors. CCR2 mediates agonist-dependent calcium mobilization and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Studies in CCR2-deficient mice have shown that they develop an accelerated Alzheimer's-like pathology compared to wild-type mice, suggesting a link between immune function, inflammation, and age-related cognitive decline.
CCR2 is a key functional receptor for CCL2, but it can also bind to CCL7 and CCL12. Its binding to CCL2 on monocytes and macrophages mediates chemotaxis and migration induction through the activation of the PI3K cascade, the small G protein Rac, and lamellipodium protrusion. It also acts as a receptor for the beta-defensin DEFB106A/DEFB106B. CCR2 regulates the expression of T-cell inflammatory cytokines and T-cell differentiation, promoting the differentiation of T-cells into T-helper 17 cells (Th17) during inflammation. CCR2 facilitates the export of mature thymocytes by enhancing their directional movement to sphingosine-1-phosphate stimulation and up-regulation of S1P1R expression. It signals through the JAK-STAT pathway to regulate FOXO1 activity, leading to increased expression of S1P1R. CCR2 plays an important role in mediating peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. It increases NMDA-mediated synaptic transmission in both dopamine D1 and D2 receptor-containing neurons, which may be caused by MAPK/ERK-dependent phosphorylation of GRIN2B/NMDAR2B. CCR2 mediates the recruitment of macrophages and monocytes to the injury site following brain injury.
CCR2 is also known as CC-CKR-2, CCR-2, CCR2A, CCR2B, CD192, CKR2, CKR2A, CKR2B, CMKBR2, MCP-1-R, PCLUD.
