Research progress of modulation effects of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is an intractable chronic pain syndrome. Accumulating evidences suggest that microglia and astrocytes in the spinal cord play an indispensable role in the generation and maintenance of neuropathic pain by releasing a variety of cytokines and chemokines. Chemokine CX3CL1 (fractalkine) and its receptor CX3CR1 serves as one of mediators for neuron-glia communication subsequently modulating neuropathic pain. This article reviews the research progresses of the modulation role of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Key words: Neuropathic pain; Chemotactic factors; Microglia