Chemerin receptor 1 (CMKLR1)

Chemerin receptor 1 (CMKLR1, also known as ChemR23 or Chemerin receptor 23) is a chemoattractant G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly expressed on innate immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils. Its primary endogenous ligands are chemerin, an adipokine involved in chemotaxis and inflammatory regulation, and Resolvin E1 (RvE1), a specialized pro-resolving lipid mediator derived from eicosapentaenoic acid. Activation of ChemR23 modulates immune cell migration, promotes the clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis), and reprograms macrophages toward anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving phenotypes, which are processes implicated in the resolution of inflammation, tissue repair, metabolic regulation, and suppression of pathological immune responses. The receptor is recognized as a promising therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory diseases, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative conditions, with several agonists and antagonists in preclinical and early clinical studies.

Other names

ChemR23Chemokine-like receptor 1Chemerin receptor 23Chemerin receptorG protein-coupled receptor DEZGPR1 (sometimes refers to a related but distinct receptor)

Agonists (e.g., Resolvin E1, chemerin-derived peptides, agonist antibodies) promote anti-inflammatory or pro-resolving macrophage functions and enhance efferocytosis Antagonists (e.g., CCX832) block receptor’s pro-inflammatory signaling