Key functional receptor for CCL2 but can also bind CCL7 and CCL12 (By similarity). Its binding with CCL2 on monocytes and macrophages mediates chemotaxis and migration induction through the activation of the PI3K cascade, the small G protein Rac and lamellipodium protrusion (By similarity). Also acts as a receptor for the beta-defensin DEFB106A/DEFB106B (By similarity). Regulates the expression of T-cell inflammatory cytokines and T-cell differentiation, promoting the differentiation of T-cells into T-helper 17 cells (Th17) during inflammation (By similarity). Facilitates the export of mature thymocytes by enhancing directional movement of thymocytes to sphingosine-1-phosphate stimulation and up-regulation of S1P1R expression; signals through the JAK-STAT pathway to regulate FOXO1 activity leading to an increased expression of S1P1R (By similarity). Plays an important role in mediating peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain (By similarity). Increases NMDA-mediated synaptic transmission in both dopamine D1 and D2 receptor-containing neurons, which may be caused by MAPK/ERK-dependent phosphorylation of GRIN2B/NMDAR2B (By similarity). Mediates the recruitment of macrophages and monocytes to the injury site following brain injury (By similarity). Interacts with ARRB1 (By similarity). Interacts (via extracellular N-terminal region) with beta-defensin DEFB106A/DEFB106B; this interaction may preferentially require specific tyrosine sulfation on CCR2 (By similarity). Interacts with NUP85; the interaction is required for CCR2 clusters formation on the cell membrane and CCR2 signaling (By similarity). The chemoattractant receptors are distributed throughout the cell surface; after stimulation with a ligand, such as CCL2, they are rapidly recruited into microdomain clusters at the cell membrane. N-glycosylated. Sulfation increases the affinity for both monomeric and dimeric CCL2 with stronger binding to the monomeric form (By similarity). Binding of sulfated CCR2 to CCL2 promotes conversion of CCL2 from dimer to monomer (By similarity). Belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family.