Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 14 (CXCL14)

Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 14 (CXCL14) is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family, also known by aliases such as BRAK and SCYB14[1]. CXCL14 is constitutively expressed in many normal tissues, particularly by fibroblasts, and is notable for its high conservation among mammals[1]. It functions primarily as a chemoattractant for monocytes, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, enhancing innate and adaptive immune responses[6]. CXCL14 is also implicated in neural development, neuron migration, regulation of glucose metabolism, feeding behavior, and antimicrobial defense[2][4][6]. In cancer biology, CXCL14 often acts as a tumor suppressor, being downregulated in many cancers, although it can promote progression and angiogenesis in certain stromal contexts[3][8]. CXCL14 can interact with chemokine receptors such as CXCR4 and CXCR7, where it may antagonize or modulate the CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling axis, influencing tumor growth, cell migration, and neuronal signaling[2][3]. Clinical drug interactions and direct mechanisms of therapeutic targeting remain largely unreported, but the molecule's complex involvement in cancer and immunity has made it a topic of research interest for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development[3][8]. CXCL14’s multiple and context-dependent biological functions present both opportunities and challenges for translational medicine.

Other names

SCYB14BRAKNJACbolekineKecMIP-2gBMACKS1