CCR8 (Chemokine Receptor 8) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) belonging to the CC chemokine receptor family. It plays a critical role in immune cell trafficking, particularly guiding the migration of T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes, and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) to inflamed or infected tissues.

Its primary ligand, CCL1, is expressed by both immune and non-immune cells, especially in skin and mucosal tissues, where CCR8 orchestrates immune responses. This makes CCR8 a valuable target for research and clinical development, especially using monoclonal antibodies against CCR8 in applications ranging from R&D and diagnostics to therapeutic interventions.

CCR8-positive immune cells are highly active at the barrier surfaces—the skin, lungs, and gut—where the body first encounters environmental insults.

• In the skin, CCR8+ dendritic cells initiate Th2-type allergic responses, which play a major role in atopic dermatitis and other allergic disorders.

• In mucosal tissues, CCR8 guides immune cell migration to maintain epithelial barrier integrity and regulate local immune responses.

The CCR8-CCL1 signaling axis thus represents a powerful control point for modulating immune responses in barrier tissues.

CCR8 is not only a trafficking receptor but also promotes immune polarization, especially toward Th2-biased responses.

• CCR8 expression on dendritic cells enhances Th2 differentiation, leading to elevated production of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13.

• These pathways are heavily implicated in asthma, allergies, and eosinophilic inflammation.

Blocking CCR8 with monoclonal antibodies can modulate these responses, making it an attractive therapeutic strategy in Th2-driven diseases.

One of the most promising applications of CCR8-targeting monoclonal antibodies lies in oncology.

• Tumor-associated regulatory T cells (Tregs) express high levels of CCR8, enabling their accumulation in the tumor microenvironment where they suppress antitumor immunity.

• Preclinical studies have shown that anti-CCR8 antibodies can selectively deplete intratumoral Tregs without affecting peripheral Tregs, minimizing systemic toxicity.

• This tumor-specific depletion of immunosuppressive cells enhances the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors and can be used in combination cancer immunotherapies.

Monoclonal antibodies against CCR8 are essential in preclinical studies for:

• Mapping CCR8 expression profiles across tissues and cell subsets

• Studying Treg trafficking and function in tumor models

• Investigating Th2 and ILC2-driven pathways in allergy and asthma models

High-affinity research-grade anti-CCR8 antibodies enable accurate flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and in vivo depletion studies.

• CCR8 expression is a potential biomarker for tumor-infiltrating Tregs and inflammatory diseases.

• Diagnostic-grade monoclonal antibodies can be used in tissue staining, biopsy analysis, and immune profiling, especially in immuno-oncology and allergy diagnostics.

Anti-CCR8 monoclonal antibodies are being explored in:

• Cancer immunotherapy: Targeting CCR8+ Tregs to boost antitumor responses

• Allergy and asthma: Modulating Th2 responses and ILC2 activity

• Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases: Reducing pathogenic cell migration and cytokine production

Some therapeutic antibodies are already in early clinical trials, and CCR8 blockade is emerging as a new class of selective immune modulation with potentially fewer side effects than global immunosuppressants.

Monoclonal antibodies targeting CCR8 are transforming our ability to study and treat diseases where immune cell trafficking and regulation are disrupted. From basic research to diagnostic development and targeted immunotherapies, these antibodies are essential tools for precision immunology.

As evidence mounts for the role of CCR8 in cancer, allergy, inflammation, and autoimmunity, investing in high-specificity anti-CCR8 monoclonal antibodies will be key to unlocking new discoveries—and ultimately, new treatments.

🔬 Looking for high-affinity monoclonal antibodies to CCR8?

SYnAbs offers research-use-only and therapeutic-grade monoclonal antibodies targeting CCR8 with validated applications in:

• Flow cytometry

• Immunohistochemistry

• In vivo Treg depletion

• Diagnostic development