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Many Roles of CCL20: Emphasis on Breast Cancer
Kingsley O Osuala1, Bonnie F Sloane1
1Wayne State University, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, 540 E Canfield,Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Abstract:
CCL20 or MIP3α is a small ~8 kDa protein primarily expressed in the liver, colon, prostate, cervix, and skin. The cellular receptor for CCL20 is CCR6. CCl20 unlike many other cytokines only binds CCR6, making the CCL20/CCR6 pathway an attractive drug target. Since the initial discovery of CCL20 in the early 1990's, there has been an increase in the evidence implicating the chemokine and its receptor in a number of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and human immunodeficiency virus infection. CCL20 has also been linked to malignancies such as ovarian, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. CCL20 can also attract tumor-promoting immune-suppressive cells to the tumor microenvironment, which may contribute to the immune evasive potential of the tumor and tumor progression.
Insights
Chemokine CCL20 (or MIP3α) and its receptor CCR6 are implicated in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and cancers. Targeting the CCL20/CCR6 pathway offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CCL20 (or MIP3α) is an 8 kDa protein found in the liver, colon, prostate, cervix, and skin.
- Its sole cellular receptor is CCR6, forming a specific binding pathway.
- This pathway is increasingly linked to inflammatory diseases and cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the CCL20/CCR6 pathway in disease pathogenesis.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CCL20 and CCR6.
- Analysis of the involvement of CCL20/CCR6 in rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, and various cancers.
- Examination of CCL20's role in recruiting immune-suppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- The CCL20/CCR6 pathway is implicated in rheumatoid arthritis and HIV infection.
- CCL20 is associated with ovarian, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.
- CCL20 attracts tumor-promoting immune-suppressive cells, potentially aiding tumor progression and immune evasion.
Conclusions:
- The specific CCL20/CCR6 interaction presents an attractive target for drug development.
- Targeting this pathway may offer new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases and cancers.
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