Description
Stromal-Cell Derived Factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha) (CXCL12) attracts lymphocytes and plays important roles in embryogenesis and angiogenesis with implications in tumor metastasis. By binding to CXCR4, one of the co-receptors for HIV viral entry, SDF-1alpha can suppress HIV. Besides CXCR4, SDF-1alpha also binds to the "decoy" receptor CXCR7, and activates the downstream beta-arrestin- rather than G protein-mediated signaling pathway