Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Regulation of Macrophage Phagocytosis; Quantitation and Imaging
Published on: July 16, 2021
The macrophage scavenger receptor CD163
Babs O Fabriek1, Christine D Dijkstra, Timo K van den Berg
1Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. bo.fabriek@vumc.nl
Abstract:
Mature tissue macrophages form a first line of defense to recognize and eliminate potential pathogens; these specialized cells are capable of phagocytosis, degradation of self and foreign materials, establishment of cell-cell interactions, and the production of inflammatory mediators. Mature tissue macrophages express a variety of receptors, including the scavenger receptor cystein-rich (SRCR) superfamily members. CD163 is a member of the SRCR family class B and is expressed on most subpopulations of mature tissue macrophages. The best characterized function of CD163, which is essentially a homeostatic one, is related to the binding of Hemoglobin:Haptoglobin complexes. Furthermore, it has been suggested that CD163 positive macrophages or the soluble form of CD163 plays a role in the resolution of inflammation, as they are found in high numbers in inflamed tissue.
Insights
Tissue macrophages are key immune cells. CD163, a receptor on these cells, binds hemoglobin complexes and may help resolve inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mature tissue macrophages are crucial for innate immunity, performing phagocytosis and releasing inflammatory mediators.
- These cells express various receptors, including scavenger receptor cystein-rich (SRCR) superfamily members.
- CD163, a Class B SRCR member, is prevalent on mature tissue macrophages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the known functions of CD163 on tissue macrophages.
- To highlight CD163's role in hemoglobin clearance and potential involvement in inflammation resolution.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on CD163 function.
- Analysis of CD163 expression patterns in different macrophage populations.
- Examination of CD163's interaction with hemoglobin:haptoglobin complexes.
Main Results:
- CD163's primary characterized function involves binding hemoglobin:haptoglobin complexes, a homeostatic role.
- CD163 is found on most mature tissue macrophage subpopulations.
- Elevated CD163-positive macrophages in inflamed tissues suggest a role in inflammation resolution.
Conclusions:
- CD163 is a significant marker and functional receptor on tissue macrophages.
- The binding of hemoglobin:haptoglobin complexes by CD163 is a key homeostatic mechanism.
- Further investigation into CD163's role in resolving inflammation is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
01:38Receptor-mediated Endocytosis