CXCR3, CXCR5, CXCR6, and CXCR7 in Diabetes

Many studies have suggested that CXCR3, CXCR5, CXCR6 and CXCR7 chemokine receptors are determinant in type 1 diabetes (T1D), expecially in autoimmunity and β-cell destruction. In particular circulating CXCL10 level (the ligand of CXCR3) is high in T1D patients, and this suggests that CXCL10 may be a candidate for a predictive marker of T1D. Blocking the CXCL10/CXCR3 axis in newly onset of diabetes seems to be a potential strategy for the therapy of T1D. Attempts have been done in modulating or blocking CXCR5, CXCR6 and CXCR7 chemokine receptors in experimental settings of T1D. More researches are necessary to evaluate the interplay among cytokines, chemokines and the pathogenesis and therapy of T1D.