CD11c

CD11c is the integrin alpha X chain, the alpha partner of the beta-2 integrin alpha-X beta-2, historically termed p150,95 or complement receptor 4. Paired with CD18, it binds iC3b-opsonized particles, fibrinogen, ICAM-1, and bacterial products, mediating phagocytosis and firm adhesion of myeloid cells. CD11c is a defining surface marker of dendritic cells, with highest expression on tissue-resident myeloid dendritic cells and monocyte-derived dendritic cells, and it is also present on monocytes, macrophages, and NK cells. High CD11c expression on expanded CD11c+ B cells characterizes atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Flow cytometric CD11c measurement, together with CD14 and CD16, underpins current human dendritic cell and monocyte subset enumeration.