CD163 and its role in inflammation

Krzysztof Kowal1, Richard Silver, Emila Sławińska

  • 1Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland. kowalkmd@umwb.edu.pl

Insights

CD163 is a marker on anti-inflammatory monocytes/macrophages. Its expression is regulated by inflammatory mediators, suggesting CD163 is a potential therapeutic target for modulating inflammatory responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mononuclear phagocytes are diverse, with subpopulations having distinct pro- or anti-inflammatory roles.
  • CD163 is a specific marker for monocytes and macrophages with significant anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of CD163 in regulating inflammatory responses.
  • To explore CD163 as a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of CD163 expression on mononuclear phagocytes.
  • Investigating the regulation of CD163 by inflammatory mediators (e.g., glucocorticoids, IL-10, IFN-γ).

Main Results:

  • CD163 is predominantly expressed on anti-inflammatory monocyte/macrophage subpopulations.
  • CD163 expression is induced by anti-inflammatory mediators and inhibited by pro-inflammatory mediators.
  • Both CD163-expressing cells and soluble CD163 contribute to downregulating inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • CD163 plays a crucial role in the anti-inflammatory functions of mononuclear phagocytes.
  • CD163 represents a promising target for therapeutic interventions aimed at controlling inflammation.

Related Concept Videos

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells01:01

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal01:12

Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells01:15

Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells

Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...