CCR8

What is CCR8 protein?

CCR8 gene (C-C motif chemokine receptor 8) is a protein coding gene which situated on the short arm of chromosome 3 at locus 3p22. This gene encodes a member of the beta chemokine receptor family, which is predicted to be a seven transmembrane protein similar to G protein-coupled receptors. Chemokines and their receptors are important for the migration of various cell types into the inflammatory sites. This receptor protein preferentially expresses in the thymus. I-309, thymus activation-regulated cytokine (TARC) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1 beta) have been identified as ligands of this receptor. The CCR8 protein is consisted of 355 amino acids and CCR8 molecular weight is approximately 40.8 kDa.

What is the function of CCR8 protein?

The CCR8 protein is a G-protein-coupled receptor that is primarily expressed on specific immune cells, including regulatory T cells (Tregs). Binding of CCR8 to its ligand CCL1 regulates the migration and function of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment, and these Tregs contribute to tumor immune escape, so CCR8 is an important target in tumor immunotherapy. By blocking CCR8, the accumulation of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment can be reduced, potentially enhancing the anti-tumor immune response. In addition, CCR8 expression in the tumor microenvironment has been linked to immunosuppression and tumor progression in a variety of cancers, making it a potential cancer therapeutic target.

Fig1. Role of CCR8 in the recruitment and expansion of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cell (Treg) into the tumor microenvironment (TME). (Nari Kim, 2023)

CCR8 related signaling pathway

The CCR8-related signaling pathway refers to a series of molecular and intracellular events associated with CCR8 that work synergistically in the intracellular and external environment to regulate the biological function of cells. CCR8 is mainly expressed in immune cells, such as T cells and dendritic cells. By binding to its ligands (such as CCL1, CCL3, CCL5, etc.), CCR8 activates downstream signaling pathways, such as G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby regulating biological processes such as cell migration, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Participate in immune response, inflammation and other physiological and pathological processes.

CCR8 related diseases

Ccr8-related diseases refer to a series of diseases associated with CCR8, including autoimmune diseases, tumors, and infectious diseases. CCR8 plays an important role in the migration and activation of immune cells, so its abnormal expression or dysfunction can lead to an abnormal response of the immune system, which in turn can trigger autoimmune diseases. In addition, CCR8 is also involved in the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells, so its abnormal expression or dysfunction may also lead to the occurrence and development of tumors. In addition, CCR8 is also involved in the immune response to infectious diseases, and its abnormal expression or dysfunction may affect the body's ability to clear pathogens.

Bioapplications of CCR8

The biological applications of rhCCR8 are mainly focused on the research and treatment of immune-related diseases and oncology. As an important immunomodulatory molecule, rhCCR8 can be used in vitro experiments to investigate its mechanism of action in immune cell migration, inflammatory response, and autoimmune disease. In addition, rhCCR8 has the potential to be a biological target for tumor therapy, as it is overexpressed in certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and melanoma, and may be associated with tumor cell migration and invasion. By targeting rhCCR8, new therapeutic strategies can be developed to block tumor progression.