趋化因子配体12(CXC-chemokine ligand 12,CXCL12),也被称为基质细胞源性因子(stromal cell-derived factor 1,SDF-1),是在免疫系统中被发现的趋化因子,它的主要功能包括趋化淋巴细胞和巨噬细胞、负责造血细胞从肝向骨髓的迁移以及大血管的形成。越来越多的证据表明,外周神经系统中神经组织或非神经组织上疾病相关或者损伤相关的SDF-1及其受体-趋化因子受体4(CXC-chemokine receptor 4,CXCR4)的功能性表达,在慢性疼痛的病理生理过程中发挥了重要的作用。生理状态下,SDF-1可以作为中枢神经系统中经典的神经调质,调节神经内分泌网络的活动。病理状态下(改变的免疫反应和炎症状态下),由于胶质细胞、内皮细胞的分泌以及循环系统的运输,SDF-1浓度会增加或者在异常部位表达,从而影响神经内分泌活动,改变大脑的功能,导致病理性行为和神经毒性。综上所述,SDF-1/CXCR4是未来新药开发的潜在靶点。
The chemokine CXCL12/stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) is one of the chemokines that have been described in immune system. Its main functions include chemotaxis for lymphocytes and macrophages, migration of hematopoietic cells from fetal liver to bone marrow and the formation of large blood vessels. Accumulating evidences indicate that disease associated or injury-induced functional expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling in both neural and non-neural elements of peripheral nervous system play important roles in the pathophysiology of chronic pain. Under normal conditions, CXCL12 can also act in central nerve system (CNS) as a classical neuromediator and can modulate the activity of several neuroendocrine networks. However, during pathological state (altered immune response or inflammation), due to its local production by glial and/or endothelial cells and/or its diffusion and transportation through the vascular circulation, enhanced concentrations of CXCL12 and/or its presence at unusual sites can affect neuronal and neuroendocrine activities and modify the functioning of the brain, leading to pathological behaviors and/or neurotoxicity. In conclusion, CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling is a potential target for the development of novel therapeutics.