Regulation of the immune and inflammatory responses by the 'atypical' chemokine receptor D6

Chemokines and their receptors are key regulators of leukocyte migration and intra-tissue accumulation under both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Regulation of chemokine-dependent responses, particularly those relating to inflammation, is essential to avoid the development of inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies. Recently, a new subfamily of chemokine receptors referred to as the 'atypical' chemokine receptors has emerged, members of which have been shown to play important roles in controlling in vivo chemokine biology. Here we review the basic biology of the chemokine and chemokine receptor family, introduce the topic of 'atypical' chemokine receptor biology and focus specifically on the best-characterized of the 'atypical' chemokine receptors, D6. D6 is a 'scavenging' receptor for inflammatory CC chemokines and plays a central role in the resolution of in vivo inflammatory responses. We describe the biology, biochemistry and pathological relevance of D6 and outline emerging data suggesting that it has additional important roles in integrating innate and adaptive immune responses.