The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 in inflammation

The lipoprotein receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) functions both in endocytosis and in signal transduction. Recently, it has become clear that LRP1 modulates the inflammatory response to various noxious stimuli. This review is to summarize our current knowledge about the role of LRP1 in inflammation.

LRP1 modulates the inflammatory response in different organs and under various pathophysiological conditions. Both direct regulation of inflammatory signaling through the binding of extracellular messengers or intracellular signaling molecules and indirect modulation through the interaction with other transmembrane receptors or the endocytosis of extracellular factors have been described. Regulation by LRP1 effects cytokine secretion, phagocytosis and migration of cells of the immune system.

In recent years, LRP1 emerged as an important regulator of the inflammatory response. Owing to the ubiquitous expression of this receptor, this function is of importance in different organs and under various pathophysiological conditions in which inflammation contributes to disease, that is atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration and organ fibrosis, for example of the lung or liver.