CCL20-CCR6 axis in autoimmune disease and cancer progression: clinical and therapeutic implications

C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) is widely expressed in various human tissues and immune cells, playing a critical role in immune cell migration and inflammation. As the sole ligand of CCL20, C-C motif chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) is a G protein-coupled receptor mainly expressed in immune cells and mediates chemotactic function of CCL20. The CCL20-CCR6 axis actively participates in immune homeostasis and activation. Dysregulation of CCL20-CCR6 axis is regarded as an imperative part of the pathogenic mechanism of autoimmune diseases and cancers, and a multitude of therapeutic strategies have been developed to target CCL20-CCR6 axis. In this review, we comprehensively summarized researches of CCL20-CCR6 axis and introduced the biology and functions of CCL20-CCR6 under normal conditions. We further discussed the pivotal pathogenic roles of CCL20-CCR6 axis in progression of autoimmune diseases as well as cancers from multiple directions. The article also explored recent advancements in the field of CCL20-CCR6 axis inhibition in autoimmune diseases and cancers, shedding light on its potential as a promising therapeutic target. A systematic understanding of CCL20-CCR6 axis in progression of autoimmune diseases and cancers is crucial for realizing the full potential of CCL20-CCR6 axis-based interventions, heralding the promise of improved outcomes for patients.