The role of C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1/C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 axis in spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often accompanied by significantly enhanced neuroinflammation. The regulation of neuroinflammation may be a potential direction for SCI repair. Cellular communication and interaction between neurons and microglia can affect the level of neuroinflammation and thereby influence SCI repair and function recovery. Increasing evidence highlights that the C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 / C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 ( CX3CL1 /CX3CR1) axis plays a central role in this process. Here, we review the relevant studies on CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in the field of SCI and summarize the structural characteristics of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 and their spatiotemporal expression features after SCI. In addition, the bidirectional role of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in neuroinflammation and possible treatment methods focused on CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis are also discussed. CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis acts as a dynamic regulator of neuroinflammation and a potential therapeutic target for SCI repair. Further studies are needed to elucidate the spatiotemporal mechanisms of this axis and guide its clinical translation.