CHEMOKINE RECEPTORS

Chemokine receptors are G-protein-linked serpentine receptors that, in addition to binding chemokines, are used as co-receptors for the binding of immunodeficiency viruses (HIV, SIV, FIV) to leucocytes. CXCR4 is a co-receptor for T-tropic viruses, CCR5 for macrophage-tropic (M-tropic) viruses. Individuals deficient in particular CCRs seem to be resistant to HIV-1 infection.