Used in immunological research to study cell adhesion and migration, particularly in the context of inflammation and immune response. Plays a role in attracting immune cells such as monocytes, T cells, and NK cells to sites of inflammation. Applied in studies related to neuroinflammation, atherosclerosis, and autoimmune diseases due to its unique dual function as both a chemokine and an adhesion molecule. The Fc tag enables easy detection and purification, making it valuable in immunoassays and protein interaction studies. Also utilized in drug development for targeting CX3CR1 receptor pathways.