CCR5 receptor. Biologic and genetic implications in age-related diseases.

The CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is a member of CCchemokine receptor family. CCR5 has the characteristic structure of a seven transmembrane G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR), which regulates trafficking and effector functions of memory/effector Th1 cells, macrophages, NK cells, and immature dendritic cells. CCR5 and its ligands are important molecules in viral pathogenesis. CCR5 represents the co-receptor for macrophage (M) and dual (T cell and M)-tropic immunodeficiency viruses. Recent evidence has also demonstrated the role of CCR5 in a variety of human diseases, ranging from infectious and inflammatory diseases to cancer. In this article, we describe the involvement of CCR5 in two age-related diseases, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a possible role of chemokine system on these diseases’ pathophysiology. Finally,we reviewthe data on the probable association between CCR5Δ32 deletion and cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s disease.