CD163

Background

CD163 is a type I membrane protein, which belongs to the scavenger receptor superfamily. CD163 is the most specific tissue cell (monocyte and macrophage) marker currently used. It is expressed in peripheral circulating monocytes and macrophages in most tissues, such as spleen dendritic cells, alveolar macrophages, liver Kupffer cells. However, CD163 is not expressed in the immature cells which are in the center of some lymphoid follicles, macrophages, Langerhans cells and finger like reticulocytes. In tumor tissue, CD163 is expressed in monocyte like cells in the majority of AML, as well as in lymphadenopathy, Langerhans cytosis, typical and atypical fibrosarcoma.