CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5)

CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is a seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor expressed primarily on T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and microglia. It mediates immune cell migration by binding several inflammatory CC chemokines such as CCL3/MIP‑1α, CCL4/MIP‑1β, and CCL5/RANTES. Beyond its physiological role in immune surveillance and inflammation, CCR5 serves as an essential co-receptor—alongside CD4—for cellular entry by macrophage-tropic strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‑1). Individuals with homozygous loss-of-function mutations in the CCR5 gene are highly resistant to these forms of HIV infection but may have altered responses to other pathogens. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic disruption of CCR5 has been explored therapeutically for both infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Other names

C-C motif chemokine receptor 5CD195CCR5_HUMAN

Antagonists block binding of endogenous chemokines or viral proteins, preventing signal transduction or viral entry into host cells. For example, maraviroc binds to CCR5 and inhibits its interaction with the HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120, thereby blocking virus-cell fusion and subsequent infection.