Chemokine C-X-C-Motif Receptor 5 (CXCR5)

CXCR5 is a G protein-coupled seven transmembrane receptor for chemokine CXCL13 (also known as BLC) and belongs to the CXC chemokine receptor family. The BLR1 was identified as a gene specifically expressed in Burkitt's lymphoma and lymphatic tissues. The protein encoded by this gene is predicted to be a seven transmembrane G protein- coupled receptor and belongs to the CXC chemokine receptor family. BLC, a B-lymphocyte chemoattractant, was identified to be a specific ligand for this receptor. Studies of this gene and its mouse conterpart strongly suggest the essential function of this gene in B cell migration and localization within specific anatomic compartments, such as follicles in lymph nodes as well as in spleen. Two alternatively spliced variants of this gene exist.