CX3C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1)

CX3C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1, also known as fractalkine) is a unique member of the chemokine superfamily, distinguished by possessing three amino acids between its N-terminal cysteines. It occurs as both a membrane-bound form, promoting firm adhesion of CX3CR1-expressing leukocytes to endothelial and epithelial surfaces, and as soluble fractalkine, which acts as a potent chemoattractant for T cells, monocytes, and NK cells. CX3CL1–CX3CR1 signaling plays important roles in inflammatory cell recruitment, neuro-immune interactions, and tissue protection or injury in the context of inflammation, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, and cancer. The NF-kappaB pathway is activated in many of the same contexts but is not part of the CX3CL1 molecule; rather, CX3CL1 can influence or be influenced by NF-kappaB signaling in an indirect way[1][3][4][5][6][7][8].

Other names

fractalkineneurotactin (in mice)chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1

Antagonists (block the binding of fractalkine to CX3CR1, reducing chemotaxis and immune cell adhesion); Modulators (potential use in modulating immune cell recruitment in tumors, atherosclerosis, etc.)