Mannose Receptor

The mannose receptor (MRC1, CD206) is a multi-domain endocytic receptor of macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphatic endothelium, widely used as a marker of alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. Its extracellular region contains eight C-type lectin-like domains flanked by an N-terminal cysteine-rich domain and a collagen-like segment, allowing it to bind terminal mannose, fucose, and N-acetylglucosamine on microbial surfaces as well as sulfated sugars and collagens. It continuously recycles through early endosomes, clearing lysosomal hydrolases, myeloperoxidase, and pathogen glycoconjugates, and it modulates adaptive immunity via antigen uptake. Recombinant mannose receptor supports glycan-binding studies, M2-polarization assays, and targeted drug-delivery research.