Atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1) (ACKR1)

Atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1), widely known as the Duffy antigen, is a seven-transmembrane protein expressed on the surface of erythrocytes and vascular endothelial cells [UniProt P51677]. Unlike traditional G protein-coupled receptors, ACKR1 lacks the DRY motif required for G-protein signaling and instead functions as a scavenger or 'sink' for various CC and CXC chemokines, thereby regulating their plasma levels and bioavailability [PubMed: 25055861]. ACKR1 is critically important in infectious disease as the primary portal of entry for the malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium knowlesi into red blood cells [PubMed: 21676837]. Genetic absence of ACKR1 on erythrocytes, common in West African populations, provides nearly complete resistance to P. vivax malaria but is also linked to benign ethnic neutropenia [PubMed: 17548550]. Beyond malaria, ACKR1 plays a significant role in modulating the inflammatory environment in conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease by influencing leukocyte recruitment and trafficking [PubMed: 25424747].

Other names

Duffy antigen receptor for chemokinesDARCDuffy blood group antigenCD234FYGPDCCBP1

Competitive inhibition of Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein (DBP) to prevent erythrocyte invasion; scavenging and buffering of circulating pro-inflammatory chemokines to modulate immune response.