Moreover CX3CL1 ability to preserve neurons from excitotoxic insult has been shown both in vitro and in vivo: in particular CX3CL1 signaling in microglia determines the release of soluble factors, such as adenosine that, acting on the adenosine receptor type 1 (A1R), concur to neuroprotection against Glu excitotoxicity and cerebral ischemia (Limatola et al., 2005; Lauro et al., 2010; Cipriani et al., 2011; Catalano et al., 2013). This evidence concerns the gene CX3CL1 and brain ischemia.