The protein encoded by this gene is a receptor for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, a chemokine which specifically mediates monocyte chemotaxis. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 is involved in monocyte infiltration in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis as well as in the inflammatory response against tumors. The encoded protein mediates agonist-dependent calcium mobilization and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. This protein can also be a coreceptor with CD4 for HIV-1 infection. This gene is located in the chemokine receptor gene cluster region of chromosome 3. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2017]
Forensic Context
A study in mice demonstrated that the CCR2 was downregulated in spleen leukocytes as a common early transcriptional response across three distinct injury models—burn, trauma/hemorrhage, and lipopolysaccharide infusion—at two hours post-insult [Brownstein et al. DOI:10.1152/physiolgenomics.00213.2005]. A study in mice demonstrated that the CCR2 is downregulated at 2 hours but intensely upregulated at 3 days following a second-degree scald burn injury, indicating its role in chemotaxis during the inflammatory phase of wound healing [Feezor et al. DOI:10.1152/physiolgenomics.00101.2003].