RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The Duffy Antigen/Receptor for Chemokines Exists in an Oligomeric Form in Living Cells and Functionally Antagonizes CCR5 Signaling through Hetero-Oligomerization JF Molecular Pharmacology JO Mol Pharmacol FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics SP 1362 OP 1370 DO 10.1124/mol.107.040915 VO 73 IS 5 A1 Aron Chakera A1 Ruth M. Seeber A1 Alison E. John A1 Karin A. Eidne A1 David R. Greaves YR 2008 UL http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/73/5/1362.abstract AB The Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines (DARC) is an unusual chemokine receptor that binds a large number of inflammatory chemokines of both the CC and CXC families with nanomolar affinity, yet it lacks the ability to signal upon ligand binding. Using bioluminescent resonant energy transfer, we have demonstrated for the first time that DARC exists as a constitutive homo-oligomer in living cells and furthermore that DARC hetero-oligomerizes with the CC chemokine receptor CCR5. DARC-CCR5 interaction impairs chemotaxis and calcium flux through CCR5, whereas internalization of CCR5 in response to ligand binding remains unchanged. These results suggest a novel mechanism by which DARC could modulate inflammatory responses to chemokines in vivo.