CX3CL1/fractalkine is a novel regulator of normal and malignant human B cell function

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Abstract
CX3CL1, or fractalkine, the unique member of the CX3C chemokine family, exists as a transmembrane glycoprotein, as well as in soluble form, each mediating different biological activities, and is constitutively expressed in many hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic tissues. CX3CR1, the CX3CL1 exclusive receptor, is a classical GPCR, expressed on NK cells, CD14+ monocytes, and some subpopulation of T cells, B cells, and mast cells. A recent paper by our group has demonstrated for the first time that highly purified human B cells from tonsil and peripheral blood expressed CX3CR1 at mRNA and protein levels. In particular, tonsil naïve, GC, and memory B cells expressed CX3CR1, but only GC centrocytes were attracted by soluble CX3CL1, which with its receptor, are also involved in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory disorders, as well as of cancer. Previous studies have shown that CX3CR1 is up-regulated in different types of B cell lymphoma, as well as in B-CLL. Recently, we have demonstrated that the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis is involved in the interaction of B-CLL cells with their microenvironment. Taken together, our data delineate a novel role for the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 complex in the biology of normal B cells and B-CLL cells. These topics are the subject of this review article.
Funding Information
  • Progetti Strategici Oncologici
  • Ministero della Salute 2006 (#5747)

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