CX3CR1

CX3CR1 is the specific receptor for the chemokine fractalkine (CX3CL1), playing a dual role in immune surveillance. It mediates both adhesion and migration of cytotoxic lymphocytes, such as NK and CD8+ T cells. In cancer, high CX3CR1 expression often correlates with improved anti-tumor immunity. It is also a key therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases, where blocking it can reduce pathological immune infiltration .