Key functional receptor for CCL2 but can also bind CCL7 and CCL12 (PubMed:8146186, PubMed:8048929, PubMed:23408426). 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 (Probable). Also acts as a receptor for the beta-defensin DEFB106A/DEFB106B (PubMed:23938203). 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). (Microbial infection) Alternative coreceptor with CD4 for HIV-1 infection. Interacts with ARRB1 (PubMed:9501202). Interacts (via extracellular N-terminal region) with beta-defensin DEFB106A/DEFB106B; this interaction may preferentially require specific tyrosine sulfation on CCR2 (PubMed:23938203). Interacts with NUP85; the interaction is required for CCR2 clusters formation on the cell membrane and CCR2 signaling (PubMed:15995708, PubMed:25283965). (Microbial infection) Binds to HIV-1 Tat. 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. Expressed by monocytes and IL2-activated NK cells. Up-regulated by CREB3 (PubMed:18587271). In NK cells, induced by IL2 (PubMed:9058802). N-glycosylated. Sulfation increases the affinity for both monomeric and dimeric CCL2 with stronger binding to the monomeric form (PubMed:11046064, PubMed:23408426). Binding of sulfated CCR2 to CCL2 promotes conversion of CCL2 from dimer to monomer (PubMed:11046064, PubMed:23408426). Variations in CCR2 are associated with relative resistance to immunodeficiency virus type 1 (resistance to HIV-1) [MIM:609423]. Mutagenesis of Leu-316 to Thr as well as Phe-320 to Asp decrease interaction with NUP85. Belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family. CC chemokine receptors entry