CXCR3

C-X-C chemokine receptor type 3 (CXCR3, CD183) is a Gαi-coupled receptor central to Th1 immunity, activated by the interferon-inducible ligands CXCL9 (MIG), CXCL10 (IP-10) and CXCL11 (I-TAC), with CXCL11 showing highest affinity for CXCR3A and several ligands engaging the alternatively spliced CXCR3B isoform. CXCR3A is induced on activated T cells by IL-12/IL-18/T-bet-driven Th1 differentiation, marking effector and memory Th1 cells, CD8+ T cells, NK cells and a subset of B cells; ligand engagement promotes chemotaxis to inflamed tissues where IFN-γ from these same cells induces CXCL9/10/11, creating an amplification loop. CXCR3B, expressed on endothelial and epithelial cells, binds angiostatic ligands and inhibits migration and angiogenesis. Clinically, the CXCR3 axis drives T-cell infiltration in allograft rejection, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. In cancer, CXCR3+ T-cell recruitment favors tumors with an inflamed phenotype, while CXCL10-mediated CXCR3 signaling paradoxically supports metastasis of CXCR3+ tumor cells to lung, liver, bone and brain.