CD163

The CD163 molecule is a type I membrane protein also known as M130 antigen, Ber-Mac3, Ki-M8 or SM4. CD163 protein is restricted in its expression to the monocytic/macrophage lineage. It is reported to be present on all circulating monocytes and most tissue macrophages except those found in the mantle zone and germinal centers of lymphoid follicles, interdigitating reticulum cells and Langerhans cells. In addition, multinucleated cells within inflammatory lesions are reported not to express CD163 protein. The protein is upregulated by glucocorticoids and downregulated by the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A and by phorbol esters.