Non-immune targeting of CXCR3 compromises mitochondrial function and suppresses tumor growth in glioblastoma.

ABSTRACT: The chemokine receptor CXCR3 is traditionally recognized for its role in immune cell trafficking. However, emerging evidence suggests that its functions may extend beyond the immune system, particularly in cancer, where its roles remain to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that CXCR3 expression correlates with glioblastoma (GBM) grading, with CXCR3-A isoform being associated with poorer patient prognosis compared to CXCR3-B. Ablation of both CXCR3 isoforms significantly impaired GBM cell proliferation, migration, and tumor growth both in vitro and in immunodeficient mice. To elucidate the mechanistic role of CXCR3, we conducted transcriptomic profiling of tumor xenografts, revealing that CXCR3 depletion would disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis. This was further supported by our

SUBMITTER: Chan TYH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11971461 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature