The multifaceted functions of CXCL10 in cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Chemokines, like C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10), regulate leukocyte trafficking and inflammatory responses.
• CXCL10, also known as interferon-inducible protein-10, binds to the CXCR3 receptor, mediating key inflammatory processes in cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Its involvement in atherosclerosis, aneurysm formation, and myocardial infarction is documented, yet clinical translation is complicated by interspecies variations in signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the functions of CXCL10 in various CVD models.
• To highlight and discuss discrepancies between experimental and clinical findings regarding CXCL10.
• To explore the potential of CXCL10 as a CVD biomarker.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of experimental and clinical studies on CXCL10 in CVD.
• Analysis of species-specific differences in CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling.
• Discussion of translational challenges and biomarker utility.

Main Results:

• CXCL10 is implicated in multiple CVDs, acting as a chemoattractant for lymphocytes.
• Significant discrepancies exist between mouse and human studies concerning CXCL10's biological actions.
• These differences stem from variations in CXCR3 isoforms and CXCR3-independent signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

• The role of CXCL10 in CVD is complex and species-dependent, hindering direct translation from experimental models to clinical practice.
• Further research is needed to reconcile experimental and clinical data for accurate assessment of CXCL10's therapeutic and diagnostic potential in CVD.
• Understanding these discrepancies is crucial for developing CXCL10-targeted therapies and validating it as a reliable CVD biomarker.