CD163. a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) superfamily, is a transmembrane glycoprotein predominantly expressed on monocytes and macrophages, particularly the M2 anti-inflammatory macrophage subset. It functions as a hemoglobin-haptoglobin scavenger receptor, playing a critical role in clearing free hemoglobin released during hemolysis and mitigating oxidative tissue damage. This anti-inflammatory activity links CD163 to immune regulation and resolution of inflammation.
CD163 antibodies are widely used in research to identify and isolate M2 macrophages, aiding studies on their roles in diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, and autoimmune disorders. In cancer biology, CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with immunosuppression and poor prognosis, making CD163 a biomarker for tumor microenvironment analysis. Additionally, soluble CD163 (sCD163), shed during inflammation, serves as a serum biomarker for macrophage activation in conditions such as sepsis, viral infections, and liver diseases.
Therapeutic applications of CD163 antibodies are under exploration, including targeting M2 macrophages to modulate immune responses or deliver drugs. However, challenges remain in understanding tissue-specific CD163 functions and balancing its protective versus pathogenic roles. Overall, CD163 antibodies are vital tools for investigating macrophage biology and developing diagnostic or therapeutic strategies in inflammation and cancer.