CCR5 receptor: biologic and genetic implications in age-related diseases

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007 Apr:1100:162-72. doi: 10.1196/annals.1395.014.

Abstract

The CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is a member of CC-chemokine receptor family. CCR5 has the characteristic structure of a seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which regulates trafficking and effector functions of memory/effector Th1 cells, macrophages, NK cells, and immature dendritic cells. CCR5 and its ligands are important molecules in viral pathogenesis. CCR5 represents the co-receptor for macrophage (M) and dual (T cell and M)-tropic immunodeficiency viruses. Recent evidence has also demonstrated the role of CCR5 in a variety of human diseases, ranging from infectious and inflammatory diseases to cancer. In this article, we describe the involvement of CCR5 in two age-related diseases, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a possible role of chemokine system on these diseases' pathophysiology. Finally, we review the data on the probable association between CCR5Delta32 deletion and cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging*
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Atherosclerosis / genetics
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology
  • Gene Deletion
  • Genome
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Ligands
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Microglia / pathology
  • Models, Biological
  • Receptors, CCR5 / genetics*
  • Receptors, CCR5 / physiology*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Receptors, CCR5