CX3CL1. also known as fractalkine, is a unique chemokine that exists in both membrane-bound and soluble forms. It functions as a ligand for the CX3CR1 receptor, playing critical roles in immune regulation, inflammation, and cell adhesion. CX3CL1 is expressed in endothelial cells, neurons, and epithelial cells, and is involved in leukocyte recruitment, neuro-immune crosstalk, and tissue homeostasis. Its dual structural form allows it to mediate either cell adhesion (via the membrane-bound form) or chemotaxis (via the soluble form).
CX3CL1 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and functional interactions. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and ELISA to detect CX3CL1 in biological samples. Research applications focus on understanding its role in diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease), cardiovascular diseases (e.g., atherosclerosis), cancer metastasis, and chronic inflammatory conditions. For example, elevated CX3CL1 levels are linked to neuroinflammation, while its dysregulation in tumor microenvironments may influence immune evasion.
High-quality CX3CL1 antibodies exhibit specificity for distinct epitopes or isoforms, enabling precise mechanistic studies. Validated antibodies help explore CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling pathways, therapeutic targeting potential, and biomarker utility. Recent studies also highlight its involvement in macrophage polarization and T-cell trafficking, underscoring its broad relevance in immunology and pathology.