Fractalkine/CX3CL1, Human

Chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is a known member of the CX3C chemokine family. It is also commonly known under the names fractalkine (in humans) and neurotactin (in mice). The polypeptide structure of CXC3L1 differs from the typical structure of other chemokines. For example, the spacing of the characteristic N-terminal cysteines is different, there are three amino acids separating the initial pair of cysteines in CX3CL1, while there are none in CC chemokines and only one in CXC chemokines. CX3CL1 is produced as a long protein (with 373-amino acid in humans) with an extended mucin-like stalk and a chemokine domain on top. The mucin-like stalk allows it to bind to the surface of certain cells. Soluble CX3CL1 potently chemoattracts T cells and monocytes, while the cell-bound chemokine promotes strong adhesion of leukocytes to activated endothelial cells, where it is primarily expressed. CX3CL1 can signal through the chemokine receptor CX3CR1.