Fractalkine (FKN, CX3CL1) is produced in neurons and is a unique chemokine that is initially translated as a transmembrane protein but can be proteolytically processed to generate a soluble chemokine. CX3CL1 signals through its unique receptor, CX3CR1, that is expressed in microglia. Within the CNS, fractalkine acts as a regulator of microglia activation in response to brain injury or inflammation. CX3CL1 has been shown to signal through its sole receptor CX3CR1, which is located on microglial cells within the central nervous system (CNS). Although both the membrane bound and soluble forms of CX3CL1 appear to interact with CX3CR1, they do seem to have different signaling capabilities.
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