Abstract
Inflammation has been well recognized as one of the main drivers of atherosclerosis
development and therefore cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It has been shown that several
chemokines, small 8 to 12 kDa cytokines with chemotactic properties, play a crucial
role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Chemokines classically mediate their
effects by binding to G-protein-coupled receptors called chemokine receptors. In addition,
chemokines can also bind to atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs). ACKRs fail to induce
G-protein-dependent signalling pathways and thus subsequent cellular response, but
instead are able to internalize, scavenge or transport chemokines. In this review,
we will give an overview of the current knowledge about the involvement of ACKR1–4
in CVDs and especially in atherosclerosis development. In the recent years, several
studies have highlighted the importance of ACKRs in CVDs, although there are still
several controversies and unexplored aspects that have to be further elucidated. A
better understanding of the precise role of these atypical receptors may pave the
way towards novel and improved therapeutic strategies.
Keywords
atherosclerosis - cardiovascular diseases - chemokines - atypical chemokine receptors
