Pharmacological modulation of CXCL12/CXCR4/ACKR3 for brain disorders – an overview

The CXCL12/CXCR4/ACKR3 axis is essential for brain development and homeostasis. Dysregulation of CXCL12 or its receptors has been associated with various CNS disorders related to neurodevelopmental defects, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and brain tumors. This signaling axis represents an attractive therapeutic target, and large efforts have led to the development and use of specific pharmacological modulators for brain diseases. While pharmacological modulation of CXCR4 has extensively be