CXCL10, also known as interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), is a 10 kDa chemokine. It binds to the receptor CXCR3 and is categorized as a Th1-chemokine. CXCL10 plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses by activating and recruiting leukocytes like T cells, eosinophils, and monocytes. It is involved in various biological processes such as T-cell chemotaxis, which is important for tumor immunotherapy, and is also implicated in inflammatory and autoimmune-related pathways [3].

In a mouse model of vitiligo, mice lacking Cxcl10 or treated with CXCL10-neutralizing antibody, as well as those that received Cxcr3(-/-) T cells, developed minimal depigmentation. CXCL10 was required for effector function and localization of autoreactive T cells within the skin, indicating its critical role in the progression and maintenance of vitiligo [2]. In mice with spinal nerve ligation, CXCL10 increased the number of action potentials in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and this effect was mediated by CXCR3-induced activation of p38 and ERK, contributing to neuropathic pain [1].

In conclusion, CXCL10 is essential in immune-related processes. Its function in recruiting immune cells and modulating their activities is crucial. The study of Cxcl10 in KO mouse models has revealed its significance in diseases like vitiligo and neuropathic pain, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in these disease areas.

References:

1. Kong, Yan-Fang, Sha, Wei-Lin, Wu, Xiao-Bo, Ma, Ling-Jie, Gao, Yong-Jing. 2020. CXCL10/CXCR3 Signaling in the DRG Exacerbates Neuropathic Pain in Mice. In Neuroscience bulletin, 37, 339-352. doi:10.1007/s12264-020-00608-1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33196963/

2. Rashighi, Mehdi, Agarwal, Priti, Richmond, Jillian M, Luster, Andrew D, Harris, John E. . CXCL10 is critical for the progression and maintenance of depigmentation in a mouse model of vitiligo. In Science translational medicine, 6, 223ra23. doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.3007811. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24523323/

3. Lee, Eun Young, Lee, Zang-Hee, Song, Yeong Wook. 2008. CXCL10 and autoimmune diseases. In Autoimmunity reviews, 8, 379-83. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2008.12.002. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19105984/