CXCR3

Fig1. Overview of the human CXCR3 gene and CXCR3 isoforms structure. (Devi Satarkar, 2022)

What is CXCR3 Protein?

CXCR3 gene (C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3) is a protein coding gene which situated on the long arm of chromosome X at locus Xq13. This gene codes for a G protein-coupled receptor that specifically binds to three chemokines: CXCL9 (known as Mig), CXCL10 (or IP10), and CXCL11 (also called I-TAC). When these chemokines latch onto the receptor, they trigger responses in cells that help manage the movement of white blood cells. This includes kicking off processes like integrin activation, changes in the cell structure, and guiding cells to migrate. The CXCR3 protein is consisted of 368 amino acids and CXCR3 molecular weight is approximately 40.7 kDa.

What is the Function of CXCR3 Protein?

The CXCR3 protein is like a key player when it comes to the body's immune response, helping to guide white blood cells to where they're needed most. This G protein-coupled receptor hooks up with specific chemokines, like CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, which are like signals that call immune cells to action, particularly in inflammation and immune responses. CXCR3 is involved in getting these cells to move, change shape, and activate integrins, which are part of the cell's navigation system. This process is crucial for fighting infections, but can also be relevant in conditions like cancer, autoimmunity, and even viral infections, where the movement of immune cells needs to be tightly regulated.

CXCR3 Related Signaling Pathway

CXCR3 is like the GPS for your immune system. When viruses or bacteria show up, this receptor jumps into action, guiding immune cells to where the trouble is. It does so by catching certain chemical signals, directing immune defenses to infection spots. It's not just about getting cells to move; it also kickstarts some serious cell activity, like getting immune cells fired up, multiplying, and sometimes causing inflammation. So, in simple terms, CXCR3 helps your body's defenses get to the action fast and respond efficiently.

CXCR3 Related Diseases

CXCR3 is like a GPS for immune cells, guiding them to different body areas where help is needed. In diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, it mistakenly leads cells to attack joints, causing pain and swelling. In multiple sclerosis, CXCR3 directs immune cells into the brain, triggering inflammation there. For gut diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, it helps immune cells flood into the intestines, keeping the inflammation alive. In heart conditions like atherosclerosis, it guides cells to the artery walls, helping form plaques. And in cancer, CXCR3 can influence how the immune system watches over or even helps the cancer grow. So, CXCR3 is quite the guide, though not always directing traffic in the way we'd like for health.

Bioapplications of CXCR3

CXCR3 is a key player in the immune system and its applications in biology are pretty intriguing. For starters, it helps direct immune cells to the sites of infection or inflammation, kind of like a personal GPS for these cells. In terms of bioapplications, this means CXCR3 can potentially be targeted or utilized in treatments for various diseases, like autoimmune disorders, where the immune response needs fine-tuning. It's like controlling traffic to ensure immune cells reach the right destination without causing too much damage along the way. Plus, its role in cancer treatments is being explored, as it can affect how immune cells recognize and attack tumor cells. So, CXCR3 isn't just a cellular GPS; it might also be a significant tool in designing therapies and managing diseases where the immune response is key.