CD14

CD14 is a 55 kDa GPI-anchored glycoprotein expressed chiefly on monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils. It functions as a pattern-recognition co-receptor that binds lipopolysaccharide delivered by LPS-binding protein and presents endotoxin to MD-2 in the TLR4-MD-2 complex, thereby triggering NF-κB-driven innate immune responses. Soluble CD14 released from monocytes extends this activity to CD14-negative cells such as endothelium. The marker distinguishes classical CD14-positive monocytes from lymphocytes and is widely used to monitor monocyte reconstitution after transplantation. Dysregulated CD14 signaling underlies sepsis-associated cytokine storms, while CD14-positive macrophages in tumors correlate with immunosuppressive microenvironments.