Chemokine-like factor 1: A promising therapeutic target in human diseases

Chemokines are a family of small molecular-weight proteins, being well-known with their important roles in the process of allergic response, immune regulation, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Almost two decades ago, a novel member of this family, chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) was identified. In recent years, it draws much attention of researchers because of its key roles in many types of tissues and its potential implications in a large number of diseases. Up to now, CKLF1 has been shown to have two main functions: broad-spectrum chemotactic activity, and proliferation- and differentiation-promoting abilities. In this review, we would introduce the basic structural features of CKLF1 and its biological functions, and then elaborate the relationships between CKLF1 and human diseases. The cell signaling pathways CKLF1 may be involved in would be discussed and summarized in details. Furthermore, we present the trials of CKLF1-targeted treatments in animal disease models, hoping to provide a few important insights about CKLF1 to both medical researchers and pharmacy, and finally conclude that CKLF1 is a potent, and very promising, therapeutic target. Impact statement CKLF1, a recently identified chemokine, has been reported by a number of studies to play important roles in quite many diseases. However, the potential pathways that CKLF1 may be involved are not manifested well yet. In our review, we showed the basic molecular structure and major functions of this novel chemokine, and implication in human diseases, such as tumors. To attract more attention, we summarized its signaling pathways and clearly present them in a set of figures. With the overview of the experimental trial of CKLF1-targeting medicines in animal models, we hope to provide a few important insights about CKLF1 to both medical researchers and pharmacy.