Tissue-specific Role of CX3CR1 Expressing Immune Cells and Their Relationships with Human Disease

• Published in: Immune network Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. e5 - 19
• Main Authors: Lee, Myoungsoo, Lee, Yongsung, Song, Jihye, Lee, Junhyung, Chang, Sun-Young
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Korean Association of Immunologists 01.02.2018; 대한면역학회
• Subjects: Review; 면역학
• DOI: 10.4110/in.2018.18.e5
• ISSN: 1598-2629

Chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1, also known as fractalkine) and its receptor chemokine (C-X3-C motif) receptor 1 (CX3CR1) are widely expressed in immune cells and non-immune cells throughout organisms. However, their expression is mostly cell type-specific in each tissue. CX3CR1 expression can be found in monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Interaction between CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 can mediate chemotaxis of immune cells according to concentration gradient of ligands. CX3CR1 expressing immune cells have a main role in either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response depending on environmental condition. In a given tissue such as bone marrow, brain, lung, liver, gut, and cancer, CX3CR1 expressing cells can maintain tissue homeostasis. Under pathologic conditions, however, CX3CR1 expressing cells can play a critical role in disease pathogenesis. Here, we discuss recent progresses of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in major tissues and their relationships with human diseases.Chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1, also known as fractalkine) and its receptor chemokine (C-X3-C motif) receptor 1 (CX3CR1) are widely expressed in immune cells and non-immune cells throughout organisms. However, their expression is mostly cell type-specific in each tissue. CX3CR1 expression can be found in monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Interaction between CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 can mediate chemotaxis of immune cells according to concentration gradient of ligands. CX3CR1 expressing immune cells have a main role in either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response depending on environmental condition. In a given tissue such as bone marrow, brain, lung, liver, gut, and cancer, CX3CR1 expressing cells can maintain tissue homeostasis. Under pathologic conditions, however, CX3CR1 expressing cells can play a critical role in disease pathogenesis. Here, we discuss recent progresses of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in major tissues and their relationships with human diseases.