Involved in clearance and endocytosis of hoglobin,haptoglobin complexes by macrophages and may thereby protect tissues from free hoglobin-mediated oxidative damage. May play a role in the uptake and recycling of iron, via endocytosis of hoglobin,haptoglobin and subsequent breakdown of he. Binds hoglobin,haptoglobin complexes in a calcium-dependent and pH-dependent manner. Induces a cascade of intracellular signals that involves tyrosine kinase-dependent calcium mobilization, inositol triphosphate production and secretion of IL6 and CSF1 .After shedding, the soluble form (sCD163) may play an anti-inflammatory role.
Molecular cloning and characterization of the mouse CD163 homologue, a highly glucocorticoid-inducible member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich family.Schaer D.J., Boretti F.S., Hongegger A., Poehler D., Linnscheid P., Staege H., Mueller C., Schoedon G., Schaffner A.Immunogenetics 53:170-177(2001)
Research Topic:Others