Rat Interleukin 8 Receptor Alpha / IL8RA (CXCR1) Protein

Background

CXCR1 is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) in the CXC chemokine receptor family, binding interleukin-8 (IL-8) with high affinity. It is primarily expressed on neutrophils, where it mediates chemotaxis, degranulation, and respiratory burst during inflammation. CXCR1 activation triggers pathways like PI3K, PLC-β, and MAPK, leading to calcium mobilization and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement for cell migration. It also activates integrins, enhancing neutrophil adhesion and migration. CXCR1 plays key roles in infections and inflammation but contributes to diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and rheumatoid arthritis due to excessive neutrophil recruitment. In cancer, CXCR1 is linked to cancer stem cell maintenance, survival, and chemoresistance, particularly in breast cancer, where IL-8 signaling promotes tumor progression and immune evasion. It also facilitates angiogenesis by recruiting endothelial and immune cells for neovascularization. CXCR1 signaling is more sustained compared to CXCR2, allowing prolonged neutrophil activation. Its dysregulation contributes to chronic inflammation and immune pathology, positioning it as a target for therapies aimed at reducing tissue damage and tumor growth.