C-X-C chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7)

C-X-C chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7), also known as ACKR3, is an atypical G protein-coupled receptor that binds chemokines CXCL12 (SDF-1) and CXCL11[I-TAC][1][4][7]. Unlike canonical chemokine receptors, CXCR7 does not couple effectively to G-proteins but signals through β-arrestin recruitment, internalizing and scavenging its ligands, and forming heterodimers with CXCR4[1][4]. It is highly expressed in many tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells and is implicated in processes such as tumor growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune cell trafficking, and therapeutic resistance[2][6][9]. CXCR7 is a validated therapeutic target in oncology and immunology, with candidate drugs in preclinical and early clinical development[3][7]. Its biological effects and potential as a biomarker continue to be actively investigated, including roles in cancer prognosis, drug resistance, and normal tissue homeostasis[9][6][3].

Other names

ACKR3RDC1Atypical chemokine receptor 3

Antagonists block ligand interaction (CXCL12/SDF-1 and CXCL11), impairing cell signaling/migration Modulation of β-arrestin recruitment to the receptor, affecting downstream kinase activation (e.g., MAPK/ERK, Aurora kinase A activation) “Scavenger/decoy” mechanisms reduce effective concentrations of chemokine ligands