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Everything You Need to Know About the CD163 Macrophage Marker

17 December, 2023 by Anshul (neobio)

Introduction

Are you caught in the endless pursuit of finding reliable and specific antibodies for your groundbreaking research? The world of biomedical study is full of complex markers, each playing a significant role in understanding human health and disease. One such vital player is the CD163 macrophage marker. But what really is CD163 and why is it of significance in biomedical research?

Brief Overview of CD163 Macrophage Marker

CD163, also popularly known as the M2-type tumor-associated macrophage marker, serves as a crucial indicator in the medical and research fields. It’s a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich family and is primarily expressed on the surface of monocytes and macrophages. The complexity of its function and relation to specific health conditions makes this protein a focus of scientific inquiry.

Importance of CD163 in Biomedical Research

The CD163 macrophage marker, owing to its intricate makeup, plays a meaningful role in biomedical research. Understanding CD163 can lead to advancements in diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer and diabetes, where it has shown probable correlations. Thus, the study of CD163 is vital for every research scientist delving into the mysteries of human health and disease.

In terms of reliability, NeoBiotechnologies provides highly validated, monospecific antibodies, ideal for various research methodologies, making it a reliable partner for every research scientist.

In summary, the CD163 macrophage marker:

  • Is highly specific for M2-type tumor-associated macrophages
  • Is primarily expressed on monocytes and macrophages
  • Plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating diseases

Infographic on key points of CD163 macrophage marker - cd163 macrophage marker infographic pyramid-hierarchy-5-steps

Understanding the CD163 Macrophage Marker

To fully appreciate the role and significance of CD163, let’s delve deeper into what it is and how it functions.

CD163: A Specific M2-Type Tumor-Associated Macrophage Marker

CD163 is a distinctive marker of macrophages, specifically the M2 type, which are tumor-associated macrophages. According to Dr. Atul K. Tandon, Founder and CEO of NeoBiotechnologies, “CD163 is a unique identifier for this type of macrophage, which plays a crucial role in tumour progression and metastasis.”

This makes CD163 a critical factor in cancer research and treatment development. The presence of CD163-positive cancer cells often indicates a high malignant potential in certain types of cancer, like clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Cells that Express CD163: Monocytes and Macrophages

CD163 is primarily expressed on the surface of monocytes and macrophages. It is a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich family of proteins and serves as an endocytic receptor for multiple ligands. Reports have indicated that CD163 is highly expressed on human macrophages, but found on less than 50% of peripheral blood monocytes. This expression is influenced by the cell’s microenvironment, making it a highly responsive and adaptable marker.

CD163 vs CD68: Specificity and Function

When it comes to macrophage markers, CD163 is not the only player. Another key marker is CD68. However, while CD68 is a more general monocyte/macrophage marker, CD163 stands out for its specificity. CD68 can stain myeloid cells, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, Langerhans cells, and others, making it relatively non-specific. On the other hand, CD163 is specific to the monocyte/macrophage lineage, making it a more precise marker for these cells.

Understanding the difference between these two markers is crucial for research scientists. As Dr. Tandon explains, “The specificity of CD163 makes it a valuable tool in research, especially when studying diseases where macrophages play a key role. It allows for more precise targeting and analysis.”

In the next sections, we will further explore the role and significance of the CD163 macrophage marker in various disease conditions, including its potential for therapeutic applications.

CD163 and CD68 comparison - cd163 macrophage marker

Role and Significance of CD163 in Disease Conditions

The CD163 macrophage marker serves as a crucial tool in understanding and treating various diseases. Numerous studies have highlighted its significance in liver disease, cancer, and Kazakh Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

CD163 in Liver Disease: A Marker of Severity

Research indicates that the CD163 macrophage marker plays a significant role in liver disease. CD163, as a macrophage activation marker, is associated with conditions such as fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis B and C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and Wilson’s disease. Studies have shown that the level of soluble CD163 is elevated in these conditions and is associated with the severity of the disease.

This link between CD163 and liver disease was further reinforced by a study where the level of soluble CD163 rapidly and persistently declined with successful direct-acting antiviral therapy. At NeoBiotechnologies, you can find highly validated antibodies to assist in studying this correlation.

CD163 in Cancer: Correlation with Advanced Stages and Prognosis

The CD163 macrophage marker is also significantly linked to cancer progression. Elevated levels of CD163 in the tumor environment are closely associated with more aggressive phenotypes and poorer prognosis. For instance, in gastric cancer, CD163 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target.

Research also indicates that the infiltration of CD163+ macrophages combined with CD66b+ neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment may have prognostic significance. This highlights the potential of CD163 as a valuable biomarker in cancer research.

CD163 in Kazakh Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Poor Prognostic Factor

The presence of CD163+ macrophages in Kazakh Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (KESCC), a prevalent type of cancer in the Kazakh population, is associated with poor patient prognosis. The study found that patients with high CD163+ tumor-associated macrophage infiltration had lower overall survival rates compared to those with low infiltration.

This suggests that the CD163 macrophage marker could serve as a valuable prognostic tool in KESCC and potentially other types of cancer. Researchers can rely on NeoBiotechnologies’ monoclonal antibodies to study this association further.

In summary, CD163 plays a pivotal role in various disease conditions, making it a significant focus in biomedical research. Its correlation with disease severity and prognosis emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing this macrophage marker.

Potential Therapeutic Applications of CD163

In biomedical research, the CD163 macrophage marker offers various therapeutic applications. Its roles are particularly significant in cancer prognosis, interaction with TWEAK, and in inhibiting T cell proliferation and promoting phagocytosis.

CD163 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Cancer

Several studies have reported that tumor cells in several types of cancer, including breast cancer, rectal cancer, bladder cancer, and meningioma, express CD163. The levels of CD163 are associated with metastatic grade, early recurrence, and reduced patient survival. This highlights the potential of the CD163 macrophage marker as a prognostic biomarker in cancer. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that circulating sCD163 level has been suggested to be a prognostic biomarker for cancer patients with poor outcome. It may reflect increased activity of CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), making it a significant tool for monitoring disease progression and treatment response.

CD163’s Interaction with TWEAK: Potential Antitumor Benefits

CD163 was recently identified as a receptor for TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a member of the TNF superfamily involved in proinflammatory responses, proangiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. In tumor cells, the binding of TWEAK to its receptor results in stimulation of tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, on macrophages, TWEAK selectively binds to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain of the CD163. This interaction contributes to its degradation and sequestration, which may prevent TWEAK from exerting its tumor-promoting functions. This suggests a potential antitumor benefit of the TWEAK–CD163 interaction in macrophages that could be harnessed for cancer treatment.

CD163 in Inhibiting T Cell Proliferation and Promoting Phagocytosis

CD163 exists not only in a membrane-bound form but is also present as a soluble form (sCD163) in plasma and other tissue fluids. Interestingly, sCD163 has been shown to inhibit T cell proliferation and to promote recognition and phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus. This suggests that sCD163 could play a key role in regulating immune responses and could be utilized in treatments aimed at modulating the immune system.

In conclusion, the CD163 macrophage marker holds promising potential in various therapeutic applications, particularly in the field of cancer research. Ongoing studies and products at NeoBiotechnologies continue to explore its full potential in improving disease prognosis and developing effective treatment options.

Conclusion

Recap of CD163’s Role and Significance

The CD163 macrophage marker is a unique protein expressed by monocytes and macrophages, particularly those of the M2-type, or tumor-associated macrophages. It plays a significant role in a range of disease conditions, most notably in cancer and liver disease.

Research, as cited in a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, has revealed that the CD163 macrophage marker is linked with advanced stages of cancer and poor prognosis. This is particularly true in the case of Kazakh Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, where CD163 expression was identified as a poor prognostic factor.

However, the CD163 marker is not just a marker of disease severity. It also holds potential as a therapeutic target. Its interaction with TWEAK, for example, has been found to have potential antitumor benefits. Moreover, the CD163 marker’s role in inhibiting T cell proliferation and promoting phagocytosis opens up new avenues for therapeutic applications.

Future Directions in CD163 Research

As our understanding of the CD163 macrophage marker deepens, so too does the potential for its use in diagnosis and treatment. With the high specificity and function of CD163 compared to other macrophage markers like CD68, it’s clear that the future of CD163 research is promising.

The development of highly validated, monospecific Rabbit Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies by companies like NeoBiotechnologies is already playing a crucial role in expediting this research. These antibodies are ideal for use in various applications such as Immunohistochemistry, Flow Cytometry, Western Blotting, or Immunofluorescence, making them a valuable tool for research scientists.

As research progresses, we anticipate a clearer understanding of the CD163 marker’s role in disease progression and response to treatment. This will inevitably lead to more targeted and effective therapies, and potentially, better outcomes for patients.

For further reading, explore the CD163 product page and resources provided by NeoBiotechnologies.

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