Mouse Atypical Chemokine Receptor 1 (ACKR1) Protein

Background

ACKR1, also known as the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC), is a non-signaling chemokine receptor that binds a broad range of chemokines, acting as a scavenger to regulate inflammation and immune responses. Unlike classical chemokine receptors, ACKR1 lacks the ability to couple to G proteins and initiate intracellular signaling. It is expressed on endothelial cells, erythrocytes, and epithelial cells, where it functions to modulate chemokine levels and gradients by sequestering excess chemokines, thereby preventing excessive immune cell recruitment and inflammation. ACKR1 also plays a critical role in malaria, as it serves as a receptor for Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium knowlesi, enabling the parasite to invade red blood cells. Variations in the ACKR1 gene, particularly the Duffy-null polymorphism, confer resistance to these malaria species and are highly prevalent in certain populations. Beyond its role in malaria, dysregulation of ACKR1 expression has been implicated in inflammatory diseases and cancer metastasis, highlighting its importance in immune regulation and disease pathology.