What is CCR2 Protein
In the vast landscape of molecular biology, the CCR2 protein stands out as a crucial player with multifaceted roles.
What is CCR2 Protein?
The CCR2 protein, classified as a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), plays a pivotal role in cellular responses, particularly within the immune system. Expressed on the surface of various immune cells, including monocytes and macrophages, CCR2 acts as a receptor for chemokines, with CCL2 being a key ligand. This interaction forms the foundation for its involvement in immune cell recruitment and modulation of inflammatory responses.
Figure 1. Cryo-EM structures of the CCL2–CCR2–Gi and apo CCR3–Gi complexes. (Shao, Z., et al. 2022)
The Function of CCR2 Protein
At its core, CCR2 orchestrates immune responses by responding to chemokine signals, notably CCL2. During inflammation or infection, tissues release CCL2, triggering a cascade of events through CCR2 activation. This leads to the directed migration of immune cells towards the affected site, a crucial step in the body's defense mechanism. The ability of CCR2 to guide immune cells makes it a linchpin in the complex interplay of cellular responses during immune surveillance and defense.
CCR2-Related Diseases
Dysregulation of CCR2 activity contributes to several diseases, most notably atherosclerosis. In this context, CCR2 facilitates the recruitment of monocytes to arterial walls, a key event in plaque formation. Targeting CCR2 emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy to impede atherosclerosis progression. Additionally, CCR2 is implicated in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, where its aberrant activation exacerbates inflammation, leading to tissue damage.
CCR2 Related Signaling Pathways
Unraveling the signaling pathways associated with CCR2 activation provides insights into its mechanistic role. Upon binding with CCL2, CCR2 activates G proteins, initiating downstream events. This includes the activation of phospholipase C, resulting in the mobilization of calcium ions and the activation of protein kinase C. Furthermore, the MAPK pathway is stimulated, regulating cellular processes like proliferation and differentiation. The intricate signaling pathways highlight CCR2's central role in orchestrating immune responses and inflammation.
Applications of CCR2 in Biomedical Research
- Therapeutic Targeting of CCR2
Therapeutic strategies targeting CCR2 are under exploration, with small molecules and antibodies designed to selectively inhibit its activity. This approach holds promise in mitigating immune responses in diseases such as atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disorders.
- Imaging and Diagnosis
Leveraging CCR2 expression patterns, researchers are developing imaging techniques to visualize CCR2-expressing cells in vivo. This has implications in diagnostics, offering insights into the localization and abundance of immune cells in inflammatory conditions.
- Drug Development and Screening
CCR2 is a prime target for drug development, with compounds screened to modulate its activity. This approach may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutics that selectively influence immune responses while minimizing off-target effects.
- Immune Modulation
Manipulating CCR2 signaling has the potential for immune modulation. By selectively targeting CCR2, researchers aim to finely tune immune responses, presenting opportunities for enhancing the body's ability to combat infections or tempering excessive inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
The CCR2 protein, with its intricate involvement in immune responses and inflammation, stands as a focal point for both understanding diseases and developing innovative biomedical applications. From targeted therapeutics to advanced imaging techniques, CCR2's diverse applications underscore its significance in advancing our understanding of biology and pushing the boundaries of medical research.
Recommended Products for CCR2 Protein
| Cat.# | Species | Product name | Source (Host) | Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCR2-15HB | Human | Active Recombinant Human CCR2 protein, Biotinylated | HEK293 | N/A |
| CCR2-15H | Human | Active Recombinant Human CCR2 protein | HEK293 | N/A |
| CCR2-135H | Human | Recombinant Human CCR2 Protein | Wheat Germ | N/A |
| CCR2-0689H | Human | Recombinant Human CCR2 Protein, GST-Tagged | Wheat Germ | GST |
| CCR2-1072HFL | Human | Recombinant Human CCR2 protein, His&Flag-tagged | HEK293 | His&Flag |
| CCR2-4392H | Human | Active Recombinant Human CCR2 Full Length Transmembrane protein(VLPs) | HEK293 | N/A |
| CCR2-3014M | Mouse | Recombinant Mouse CCR2 Protein, His-tagged | E. coli | His |
| CCR2-3015M | Mouse | Recombinant Mouse CCR2 protein, hFc-tagged | HEK293 | hFc |
| CCR2-1227R | Rat | Recombinant Rat CCR2 Protein | Mammalian Cell | His |
| CCR2-885R | Rat | Recombinant Rat CCR2 Protein, His (Fc)-Avi-tagged | HEK293 | His (Fc)-Avi |
Reference
- Shao, Z., Tan, Y., Shen, Q. et al. Molecular insights into ligand recognition and activation of chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR3. Cell Discov. 2022, 8: 44.
