CXCR3

CXCR3 is a G protein-coupled receptor that in humans is encoded by the CXCR3 gene. It is also known as the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 3, and is a receptor for CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11.

Function

CXCR3 is a G protein-coupled receptor found on the surface of certain cells, and it interacts with three CXC chemokines: CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11. These chemokines are small molecules that are secreted by cells to signal other cells to move towards the source of the chemokine. In the case of CXCR3, the cells that respond to its chemokines are primarily T cells and NK cells, which are both types of white blood cells involved in the immune response.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function of CXCR3 have been associated with a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. For example, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, and the movement of T cells and NK cells to the site of the attack can be directed by CXCR3 and its chemokines. Similarly, in cancer, the movement of these immune cells to the tumor site can also be directed by CXCR3, and changes in the function of CXCR3 can affect the body's ability to fight the tumor.

See also

• Chemokine receptor
• CXC chemokine
• G protein-coupled receptor

References

<references />

External links

• CXCR3 at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)