C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13)

C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13), also known as B lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC), is a homeostatic chemokine that plays a fundamental role in the organization of B-cell follicles within secondary lymphoid organs [8, 11]. It acts specifically through its receptor, CXCR5, to direct the migration of B cells and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells [4, 10]. In pathological states, ectopic expression of CXCL13 leads to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) at sites of chronic inflammation, contributing to the progression of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Sjögren's syndrome [5, 16]. In oncology, the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis is involved in tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, where it can either support anti-tumor immunity or promote pro-tumorigenic conditions depending on the cancer type [1, 17]. Therapeutic strategies targeting this axis include monoclonal antibodies that neutralize CXCL13 or block CXCR5, aiming to disrupt pathological immune cell recruitment and organization [7, 12].

Other names

B lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC)B-cell-attracting chemokine 1 (BCA-1)Small inducible cytokine B13 (SCYB13)ANGIE

Neutralization of CXCL13 or blockade of its receptor CXCR5 to inhibit B-cell and T follicular helper (Tfh) cell recruitment and disrupt the formation of ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS) or tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) [10, 12, 17].