Chemokine Recognition and Signalling by the Chemokine Receptor CCR1

Upon injury or infection, our bodies defend themselves through inflammation. This process involves the recruitment of white blood cells into the affected tissues. White blood cell migration is controlled by proteins called chemokines, which interact with receptors on the surfaces of the white blood cells. This project investigated molecular details of chemokine:receptor interactions and new strategies to target chemokines using proteins produced naturally by ticks. The results of this project will help to guide future development of medicines for inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.