The N-terminal region of the atypical chemokine receptor ackr2 is a key determinant of ligand binding

Abstract

Background: ACKR2 is an atypical chemokine receptor that is biologically distinct from conventional chemokine receptors. Results: An N-terminal sulfated tyrosine motif is essential for ligand binding by ACKR2. Conclusion: The structure/function basis for ligand binding by ACKR2 is similar to that of conventional chemokine receptors. Significance: ACKR2 N-terminal peptides may be therapeutically useful as pan-chemokine blockers in inflammatory pathologies. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.