Major surface receptors of macrophages and their mode of action

Macrophages, a type of immune cell, have various surface receptors that play crucial roles in their functions, such as recognition, phagocytosis, and signaling. Here are some major surface receptors of macrophages:

1. Fc receptors (FcR):
Bind to antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) and facilitate phagocytosis
2. Complement receptors (CR):
Recognize and bind to complement proteins (C3b, C4b)
Enhance phagocytosis and activation
3. Mannose receptor (MR):
Recognize and internalize mannose-containing pathogens and molecules
4. Scavenger receptors (SR):
Bind to modified lipoproteins, apoptotic cells, and bacteria
Mediate phagocytosis and clearance
5. Toll-like receptors (TLR):
Recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)
Activate macrophages and trigger inflammatory responses
6. CD14:
Co-receptor for TLR4, enhances LPS recognition
7. CD40:
Interacts with CD40L (CD154) on T cells, activates macrophages
8. CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1):
Adhesion molecule, involved in migration and phagocytosis
9. CD64 (FcγRI):
High-affinity receptor for IgG, mediates phagocytosis and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)
10. CD206 (mannose receptor):
Recognize and internalize mannose-containing pathogens and molecules

These surface receptors enable macrophages to perform their diverse functions, including recognition, phagocytosis, and activation, which are crucial for immune homeostasis and defense against pathogens.

#Macrophages