C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 9 (CCR9) Antibody

Background

C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 9 (CCR9) is a G-protein-coupled receptor highly expressed on T lymphocytes within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and plays a critical role in mucosal immunity. CCR9 binds its ligand CCL25 (TECK), which is predominantly expressed in the small intestine, guiding the homing of T cells to the intestinal epithelium. This receptor-ligand interaction is crucial for maintaining intestinal immune surveillance and protecting the gut from pathogens. CCR9 is particularly important for the migration of T-helper 1 (Th1) cells and memory T cells into the small intestine, where they contribute to immune homeostasis. However, CCR9 is also implicated in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, where excessive T-cell migration to the gut exacerbates inflammation and tissue damage. In cancer, CCR9 is overexpressed in certain types of T-cell leukemias and gastrointestinal tumors, where it contributes to tumor growth and metastasis by enhancing immune cell recruitment. CCR9 has also been explored as a potential therapeutic target for intestinal inflammation and gastrointestinal cancers. Blocking CCR9-CCL25 signaling with targeted therapies, such as small-molecule inhibitors, has shown promise in reducing gut inflammation and preventing lymphocyte migration in preclinical and clinical studies. This makes CCR9 a pivotal player in intestinal immunity, chronic inflammation, and tumor biology.