CXCL10, also known as crg-2, is a chemokine of the CXC subfamily and ligand for the receptor CXCR3. CXC chemokines are particularly significant for leukocyte infiltration in inflammatory diseases. CXCL10 has a three-dimensional crystal structure. Its signaling is mediated by the g protein-coupled receptor CXCR3, which is expressed on activated T cells and plays an important role in directing the migration of T cells, especially during Th1 responses. Binding of CXCL10 to CXCR3 results in pleiotropic effects, including stimulation of monocytes, natural killer and T-cell migration, and modulation of adhesion molecule expression. It is chemotactic for monocytes and T-lymphocytes. CXCL10 can be secreted by several cell types in response to IFN-γ. Baseline pre-treatment plasma levels of CXCL10 are elevated in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) of genotypes 1 or 4 who do not achieve a sustained viral response (SVR) after completion of antiviral therapy.
