Chemokine Receptor CXCR7 (CXCR7)

CXCR7, also known as ACKR3, is a seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that primarily binds the chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL11. Unlike classical chemokine receptors, CXCR7 does not signal through G proteins but instead acts mainly as a scavenger or decoy receptor, modulating the availability of its ligands and influencing cell migration, immune responses, and tumor biology. It recruits β-arrestin rather than activating traditional G-protein signaling pathways, leading to downstream activation of ERK/MAPK pathways. It is upregulated during pathological inflammation and in various cancers and is therefore a target for cancer therapy and neuroinflammatory diseases.

Other names

ACKR3RDC1GPR159

CXCR7 antagonists aim to block the receptor's interaction with its ligands (CXCL12 and CXCL11), preventing its scavenging activity and subsequent downstream signaling.