Fractalkine, when binding to its receptor CX3CR1, modulates leukocyte adhesion and acts as a chemotactic agent. The expression of cardiac CX3CR1/fractalkine is elevated in patients with heart failure and CX3CR1 antagonists may improve the cardiac function by modulation of this axis.

Astrazeneca AB has disclosed CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1; CMKBRL1; GPR13) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of heart failure, among others.