Mechanistic Pathways · 9 min read · 2027-11-18
Spirulina and CXCL10
An IFN-γ-induced chemokine that recruits the very T cells that produce IFN-γ — a self-amplifying autoimmunity loop.
CXCL10 in Disease
CXCL10 (IP-10) is induced by IFN-γ via STAT1, recruiting CXCR3+ effector T cells to sites of inflammation. Elevated CXCL10 marks autoimmune disease (type 1 diabetes, RA, MS, autoimmune thyroiditis) and serves as a biomarker of Th1-driven inflammation.
Spirulina Effects
Phycocyanin's STAT1 phosphorylation dampening reduces CXCL10 transcription by 25-35% in IFN-γ-stimulated contexts. The downstream effect: reduced effector T-cell recruitment to autoimmune target tissues.
Conclusion
Spirulina breaks the IFN-γ-CXCL10-T cell recruitment amplification loop in autoimmunity. Combined with broader Th1 dampening, supports immune homeostasis in autoimmune-prone individuals.