Chemokine receptors on regulatory T cells

Chemokine receptors on regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a group of G protein-coupled receptors, most notably CCR4 and CCR8, that mediate the recruitment and accumulation of these immunosuppressive cells into tissues, particularly the tumor microenvironment [NIH, PNAS]. In cancer, tumors often secrete chemokines like CCL22 and CCL1 to attract Tregs, which then suppress the activity of effector T cells and facilitate immune evasion [Frontiers in Immunology, NIH]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these receptors aim to either block Treg migration or selectively deplete intratumoral Tregs via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) [iScience, NIH]. This approach is designed to restore anti-tumor immunity while minimizing systemic autoimmune side effects, although challenges remain regarding the specificity of these receptors and the potential for off-target effects on other immune cell subsets [NIH, Frontiers in Immunology]. For example, mogamulizumab is an FDA-approved antibody targeting CCR4 for the treatment of certain T-cell lymphomas, while several anti-CCR8 agents are currently in clinical trials for solid tumors [NIH, iScience]. Monitoring the expression of these receptors and their corresponding ligands serves as a potential biomarker strategy for patient selection and efficacy assessment [Frontiers in Immunology, NIH].

Other names

Treg chemokine receptorsChemokine receptors expressed on TregsRegulatory T cell chemokine receptors

Antagonism of receptor signaling or antibody-mediated depletion (e.g., antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity) of regulatory T cells to modulate immune responses and enhance anti-tumor immunity [NIH, PNAS].