Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

A Flow Cytometry-based Assay to Identify Compounds That Disrupt Binding of Fluorescently-labeled CXC Chemokine Ligand 12 to CXC Chemokine Receptor 4
06:56

A Flow Cytometry-based Assay to Identify Compounds That Disrupt Binding of Fluorescently-labeled CXC Chemokine Ligand 12 to CXC Chemokine Receptor 4

Published on: March 10, 2018

Advancements in understanding and treating CXCL16/CXCR6 in tumors and in inflammatory diseases: a narrative review

Xiaohong Li1,2, Shuai Liu1, Die Qian1,2

  • 1First Clinical Medical College, School of Pharmacy and School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|August 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The CXCL16/CXCR6 axis has dual roles in disease, acting as both a promoter and inhibitor. Understanding its context-dependent functions is key for developing targeted therapies against cancer and inflammatory conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • The CXCL16/CXCR6 axis plays a complex role in various diseases.
  • Its function is context-dependent, capable of both promoting and inhibiting disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the dual regulatory functions of the CXCL16/CXCR6 axis.
  • To analyze its role in neoplasms and inflammatory disorders.
  • To explore advancements in targeting this axis for therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • Analysis of functional spectrum across different diseases.
  • Review of drug development targeting the CXCL16/CXCR6 axis.

Main Results:

  • The CXCL16/CXCR6 axis exhibits bidirectional regulatory mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment.
  • Tumor heterogeneity and CXCL16 isoforms influence functional outcomes.
  • The axis shows potential as a predictive marker in inflammatory diseases like asthma.

Conclusions:

  • The CXCL16/CXCR6 axis acts as a 'double-edged sword' in disease pathogenesis.
  • Identifying critical nodes of functional alteration is crucial for targeted therapy development.
  • Further research is needed to harness the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis.
Keywords:
CXCL16CXCR6inflammationtumortumor microenvironment

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