Macrophage CD Proteins

The cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens a protocol used for the identification and investigation of cell surface molecules present on leukocytes. Some CD proteins often act as cell-cell or cell-matrix adhesion molecules, cytokine receptors, ion pores, or nutrient transporters. CD proteins play a variety of roles in immune system function. Macrophages are large, specialized cells that recognize, engulf and destroy target cells. They are the major myeloid component of mononuclear phagocytes of the innate immune system. In human and mouse, common cell surface markers used to identify macrophages include CD11b/Integrin alpha M, CD14, CD68, Fc gamma RIII/CD16, Fc gamma RI/CD64, and CCR5, along with F4/80 in mouse.

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