CXCL13

CXCL13 is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family that is also known as B lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC). It is highly expressed in the lymph nodes, spleen, and follicles of Peyer's patches, where it strongly attracts B cells.

Structure

CXCL13 is a small protein of 109 amino acids, it is secreted by follicular dendritic cells in the lymph nodes and spleen. The gene for CXCL13 is located on chromosome 4 in humans.

Function

CXCL13 is a potent chemotactic factor for B cells, and plays a key role in the formation and function of lymphoid follicles. It is involved in guiding B cells to follicles in secondary lymphoid organs, where they undergo germinal center reactions.

Clinical significance

Elevated levels of CXCL13 have been found in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease. It is also associated with various types of cancer, including breast cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

See also

• Chemokine
• Cytokine
• B cell
• Lymph node
• Spleen
• Peyer's patches
• Follicular dendritic cell
• Lymphoid follicle
• Germinal center
• Multiple sclerosis
• Lyme disease
• Breast cancer
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma