C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13)

C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) is a small secreted protein of the CXC chemokine family, acting primarily as a chemoattractant for B cells by binding to the chemokine receptor CXCR5. CXCL13 plays a central role in the formation and organization of lymphoid follicles within secondary lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes, spleen, and Peyer’s patches, guiding B cell migration and positioning. It is essential for normal immune system architecture and function, is highly expressed in specific lymphoid stromal cells, and can also be upregulated in monocyte-like and macrophage lineages under inflammatory conditions. Pathologically, aberrant CXCL13 production contributes to the development of tertiary lymphoid structures in chronic inflammation and is a feature of various autoimmune diseases and certain cancers. CXCL13’s expression is clinically relevant as a biomarker for B cell-driven disease processes and is under investigation as a therapeutic target in immune-mediated and lymphoproliferative disorders.

Other names

B lymphocyte chemoattractantB cell-attracting chemokine 1BCA-1BLCSCYB13BLR1LANGIEANGIE2small-inducible cytokine B13B cell chemoattractantCXC chemokine BLC

Drugs in research may act as neutralizing antibodies or inhibitors blocking CXCL13-CXCR5 interaction, inhibiting B cell homing and germinal center formation