Chemokine mediated neuron-glia communication and aberrant signalling in neuropathic pain states

► Understanding neural immune communication may expose novel targets for analgesic development. ► Chemokines are upregulated in neuropathic animals; inhibition of their activity attenuates pain. ► CX3CL1/R1 mediates neuron-microglia communication; CX3CR1 null mice do not develop allodynia. ► CCL2/R2 mediates neuron-microglia-astrocyte communication; CCR2 antagonists are anti-hyperalgesic. ► Centrally penetrant CX3CR1/CCR2 antagonists constitute a novel approach to the treatment of pain.