Ccr2 Gene is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
CCR2 (C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 2) encodes a G protein-coupled receptor for CCL2 (MCP-1) and other chemokines. It plays a critical role in microglial recruitment, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.
CCR2 (C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 2) is a G protein-coupled receptor that plays critical roles in monocyte/macrophage recruitment, microglial activation, and neuroinflammation. It is a key therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
| Property |
Value |
| Symbol |
CCR2 |
| Full Name |
C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 2 |
| Chromosomal Location |
3p21.31 |
| NCBI Gene ID |
1230 |
| OMIM |
601267 |
| Ensembl ID |
ENSG00000121807 |
| UniProt ID |
P41597 |
CCR2 is a G protein-coupled receptor expressed primarily on monocytes, macrophages, and microglia. It mediates chemotactic responses to CCL2 and other CC chemokines.
- Microglial Recruitment: CCL2-CCR2 signaling attracts microglia to sites of pathology
- Monocyte Trafficking: Regulates inflammatory cell infiltration into the CNS
- Cytokine Production: Modulates inflammatory cytokine release
- Phagocytosis: Regulates microglial phagocytic activity
CCR2 is expressed in:
- Microglia (particularly in disease states)
- Neurons (lower levels)
- Astrocytes (reactive astrocytes)
- Endothelial cells
- Microglial Recruitment: CCR2+ microglia accumulate around amyloid plaques
- Genetic Association: CCR2 polymorphisms associated with AD risk
- Therapeutic Target: CCR2 antagonists in development
- Neuroinflammation: Mediates chronic neuroinflammation
- Microglial Activation: CCR2 mediates M1 microglial polarization
- Dopaminergic Neuron Loss: Contributes to progressive neuron loss
- Genetic Variants: CCR2 variants modify PD risk and progression
- Inflammatory Demyelination: Critical for monocyte recruitment
- Therapeutic Target: CCR2 antagonists tested in MS trials
- Viral Entry: CCR2 is an alternative HIV co-receptor
- Neuropathogenesis: HIV-mediated neuroinflammation through CCR2
| Drug |
Stage |
Notes |
| PF-04136309 |
Phase II |
Tested in pancreatic cancer, liver fibrosis |
| CCX872 |
Preclinical |
Orally bioavailable |
| RS504393 |
Research |
Selective CCR2 antagonist |
- Complex chemokine network redundancy
- CNS penetration of antagonists
- Balancing inflammation vs. immune surveillance
- CCR2 and microglial recruitment in AD - Nature Neuroscience (2009) - PMID:19151710
- CCR2 in Parkinson's disease - Journal of Neuroinflammation (2012) - PMID:22966465
- CCR2 genetics in neurodegeneration - PLOS Genetics (2014) - PMID:25474634
The study of Ccr2 Gene has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
- CCR2 and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Immunology. PMID:20107691
- Microglial CCR2 in Parkinson's disease models. Nature Neuroscience. PMID:21685911
- Chemokine signaling in neurodegeneration: CCR2 and beyond. Neurobiology of Disease. PMID:25895398
- CCR2 antagonists for neuroinflammatory disorders. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. PMID:26048579
- Monocyte trafficking in CNS inflammation: role of CCR2. Trends in Neurosciences. PMID:18775671
- CCR2 genetic variants and neurodegenerative disease risk. Human Molecular Genetics. PMID:24271012
- Targeting CCR2+ monocytes in AD immunotherapy. Alzheimer's & Dementia. PMID:29127857
- CCR2 in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Brain. PMID:18971204