CXCR2 chemokine receptor – a master regulator in cancer and physiology

Recent findings have modified our understanding of the roles of chemokine receptor CXCR2 and its ligands in cancer, inflammation, and immunity. Studies in Cxcr2 tissue-specific knockout mice show that this receptor is involved in, among other things, cancer, central nervous system (CNS) function, metabolism, reproduction, COVID-19, and the response to circadian cycles. Moreover, CXCR2 involvement in neutrophil function has been revisited not only in physiology but also for its major contribution to cancers. The recent unfolding of the role of CXCR2 in numerous cancers has led to extensive evaluation of multiple CXCR2 antagonists in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review we discuss the potential of targeting CXCR2 for cancer treatment.