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CX3CL1: a key switch of cell death immunogenicity.
Robin Demuynck1, Faye Naessens1, Dmitri V Krysko1
1Cell Death Investigation and Therapy (CDIT) Laboratory, Anatomy Embryology Unit, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
Trends in Cancer
|September 18, 2025
Summary
Fractalkine (CX3CL1) has dual roles in cancer, promoting or suppressing tumors. CX3CL1-based therapies, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors, show promise for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fractalkine (CX3CL1) is a chemokine with a dual role in cancer biology.
- It acts via its receptor CX3CR1, influencing tumor progression and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of CX3CL1 in cancer.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of CX3CL1-based strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on CX3CL1 function in cancer.
- Analysis of CX3CL1's interactions with immune cells and tumor cells.
Main Results:
- CX3CL1 can promote tumor growth by recruiting immunosuppressive cells.
- Conversely, it can enhance anti-tumor immunity by attracting cytotoxic immune cells.
- CX3CL1 is implicated in immunogenic cell death and anticancer immune responses.
Conclusions:
- The effect of CX3CL1 is context-dependent, with excessive levels potentially suppressing immunity.
- CX3CL1-based gene/mRNA therapies, combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, represent a promising avenue for cancer treatment.
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