CCR3 is responsible for tissue infiltration of eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, and Th2 cells, particularly in allergic diseases. In this context, CCR3 has emerged as a target for the treatment of allergic asthma. It is well known that the N-terminal domain of chemokines is crucial for receptor binding and, in particular, its activation. Based on this background, we investigated a number of N-terminally truncated or modified peptides derived from the chemokine CCL14/hemofiltrate CC chemokine-1 for their ability to modulate the activity of CCR3. Among 10 derivatives tested, n-nonanoyl (NNY)-CCL14[10–74] (NNY-CCL14) was the most potent at evoking the release of reactive oxygen species and inducing chemotaxis of human eosinophils. In contrast, NNY-CCL14 has inactivating properties on human eosinophils, because it is able to induce internalization of CCR3 and to desensitize CCR3-mediated intracellular calcium release and chemotaxis. In contrast to naturally occurring CCL11, NNY-CCL14 is resistant to degradation by CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV. Because inhibition of chemokine receptors through internalization is a reasonable therapeutic strategy being pursued for HIV infection, we tested a potential inhibitory effect of NNY-CCL14 in two murine models of allergic airway inflammation. In both OVA- and Aspergillus fumigatus-sensitized mice, i.v. treatment with NNY-CCL14 resulted in a significant reduction of eosinophils in the airways. Moreover, airway hyper-responsiveness was shown to be reduced by NNY-CCL14 in the OVA model. It therefore appears that an i.v. administered agonist internalizing and thereby inhibiting CCR3, such as NNY-CCL14, has the potential to alleviate CCR3-mediated diseases.

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