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CD163

CD163 is a membrane-bound scavenger receptor of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) superfamily. It is mainly expressed on monocytes and tissue macrophages, with higher levels in macrophages that adopt an anti-inflammatory or tissue-repair profile (often referred to as M2-like macrophages). The extracellular portion of CD163 contains SRCR repeats, and the molecule spans the cell membrane with a cytoplasmic tail that participates in endocytosis and signaling.

A primary function of CD163 is the clearance of the haptoglobin-hemoglobin (Hp-Hb) complex from circulation. By

CD163 can be proteolytically cleaved from the cell surface by ADAM17 (also known as TACE), releasing a

Overall, CD163 functions as a macrophage-associated scavenger receptor that participates in hemoglobin clearance and the regulation

binding
Hp-Hb
with
high
affinity
and
mediating
its
internalization
and
degradation,
CD163
helps
remove
pro-oxidant
heme
and
limit
oxidative
stress
and
inflammatory
damage
associated
with
hemolysis
or
tissue
injury.
Engagement
of
CD163
on
macrophages
can
promote
anti-inflammatory
responses,
including
the
production
of
anti-inflammatory
cytokines,
contributing
to
the
resolution
of
inflammation.
soluble
form
(sCD163)
into
the
bloodstream.
sCD163
serves
as
a
biomarker
of
macrophage
activation
and
has
been
found
to
be
elevated
in
various
inflammatory
and
metabolic
conditions,
such
as
sepsis,
liver
disease,
obesity,
and
atherosclerosis.
In
oncology
and
pathology,
CD163
is
also
used
as
a
marker
of
tumor-associated
macrophages
with
an
M2-like
phenotype,
reflecting
roles
in
tissue
remodeling
and
immune
regulation
within
the
tumor
microenvironment.
of
inflammatory
responses,
with
soluble
CD163
providing
a
clinically
useful
indicator
of
macrophage
activity.