CXCL13

What is CXCL13 protein?

CXCL13 gene (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13) is a protein coding gene which situated on the long arm of chromosome 4 at locus 4q21. B lymphocyte chemoattractant, independently cloned and named Angie, is an antimicrobial peptide and CXC chemokine strongly expressed in the follicles of the spleen, lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches. It preferentially promotes the migration of B lymphocytes (compared to T cells and macrophages), apparently by stimulating calcium influx into, and chemotaxis of, cells expressing Burkitt's lymphoma receptor 1 (BLR-1). It may therefore function in the homing of B lymphocytes to follicles. The CXCL13 protein is consisted of 109 amino acids and CXCL13 molecular weight is approximately 12.7 kDa.

What is the function of CXCL13 protein?

As a member of the cytokine family, CXCL13 plays a role in recruiting immune cells, activating lymphocytes and activating inflammatory responses through interaction with its receptors. CXCL13 was originally identified in stromal cells of B-cell follicles, which regulate the homing of B cells and certain T cell subpopulations. CXCL13 plays a key role in coordinating cell migration within different regions of the secondary lymphoid organ space, strongly attracting B lymphocytes while promoting the migration of small numbers of T cells and macrophages. CXCL13 and its receptor CXCR5 play an important role in inflammation, infection, cancer, and immune response. CXCL13: The CXCR5 axis coordinates cell-cell interactions and regulates lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor microenvironment.

CXCL13 Related Signaling Pathway

It is particularly influential in the development and maintenance of lymphoid follicles by attracting B cells through its receptor CXCR5. Additionally, CXCL13 is implicated in angiogenesis, promoting the formation of new blood vessels necessary for tumor growth and metastasis through pathways like PI3K/AKT and MAPK. It also plays a role in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, where it's involved in chronic inflammation and the formation of ectopic lymphoid structures. Furthermore, CXCL13 activates intracellular signaling cascades upon binding to CXCR5, including the PLC pathway, which is critical for immune cell migration and positioning.

Fig1. Schematic diagram summarizes the mechanisms in the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis that endorse TNF-α expression in RA. (David Achudhan, 2024)

CXCL13 Related Diseases

It plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Sjogren's syndrome, where it contributes to the formation of ectopic lymphoid structures and the recruitment of autoreactive B and T cells. In the context of cancer, CXCL13 is implicated in the development and progression of several types of malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. It can both promote tumor growth by attracting immune cells that support the tumor microenvironment and potentially inhibit tumor growth by facilitating the recruitment of immune cells that mount an anti-tumor response. Furthermore, CXCL13 is involved in inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and is being studied for its potential role in infectious diseases such as HIV.

Bioapplications of CXCL13

As a diagnostic marker, CXCL13 aids in the identification and monitoring of various diseases, particularly autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, as well as different types of cancer. In therapeutics, CXCL13's role in immune cell trafficking and angiogenesis makes it a potential target for drug development. Furthermore, CXCL13 is utilized in research for understanding the complex interactions within the immune system, including B cell migration and lymphoid organogenesis. In the realm of regenerative medicine, CXCL13's influence on angiogenesis and cell migration suggests its potential use in tissue repair and wound healing strategies.