α1B/D-adrenoceptors regulate chemokine receptor–mediated leukocyte migration via formation of heteromeric receptor complexes

Abstract

SignificanceHere we show that most chemokine receptors (CRs) form heteromeric complexes with α1-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in recombinant systems and that such heteromers are detectable in human monocytes and in the human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1. Furthermore, we provide evidence that α1B/D-ARs control the function of their CR heteromerization partners. Our findings suggest that heteromeric complexes between α1B/D-ARs and CRs are necessary for normal function of CR heteromerization partners, indicate receptor heteromerization as a molecular mechanism by which stress hormones regulate leukocyte trafficking in health and disease, and offer opportunities to modulate leukocyte and/or cancer cell trafficking in disease processes.