Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

CD163: The Dark Knight of Blood and the Avenger of Immunity

by Dr. Shanmathi Rajendran on Mar 28 2025 5:35 PM
Listen to this article
0:00/0:00

CD163 is a macrophage receptor that clears hemoglobin and helps regulate immune responses.

 CD163: The Dark Knight of Blood and the Avenger of Immunity
Human body has an inbuilt defense system to control the decomposition of red blood cells. Macrophage receptor CD163 is an essential component of this system that aids in removing free hemoglobin from the circulation. This process helps in maintaining the body's equilibrium by preventing inflammation and oxidative damage (1 Trusted Source
New research offers deeper insight into the body's defence against harmful haemoglobin

Go to source
).
Scientists were unsure until recently how CD163 works with haptoglobin-hemoglobin (HpHb) to accomplish this task. A recent study published in Nature Communications sheds important light on the molecular mechanisms underlying this process by revealing the precise structure of CD163 linked to HpHb.

How CD163 Captures Hemoglobin Complexes

CD163 binds hemoglobin linked to haptoglobin effectively by forming groups of two (dimers) or three (trimers). In order to ensure efficient interaction, researchers discovered that certain acidic residues in CD163 form strong bonds with lysine residues on hemoglobin and haptoglobin.

Calcium's function in this relationship is another important discovery. Since calcium is necessary for CD163 activity, the study found calcium-binding sites close to the hemoglobin-haptoglobin interface. These findings shed light on how CD163 prevents harmful accumulation by specifically removing hemoglobin from the circulation.

A Game-Changer for Medicine and Disease Treatment

Comprehending the structure of CD163 has important medicinal implications. Overproduction of free hemoglobin can lead to oxidative damage and inflammation, which can exacerbate conditions like Sepsis, cardiovascular diseases, and Hemolytic Anemia. With this new information, scientists can investigate possible therapies that target CD163 in an effort to enhance hemoglobin clearance and lower inflammation.

Furthermore, because CD163 is involved in immunological modulation, this study may possibly lead to the development of novel treatments that reduce inflammation in a range of illnesses. Understanding the body's natural hemoglobin clearance system has advanced significantly as a result of this study. The exact structure of CD163 and how it binds to HpHb have been accessible to the public, giving researchers a better road map for creating targeted treatments. These discoveries not only expand our knowledge of immunological homeostasis but also pave the way for novel medical interventions that may enhance future patient care!

“CD163 the body's natural guardian against hemoglobin damage”


Advertisement
Reference:
  1. New research offers deeper insight into the body’s defence against harmful haemoglobin - (https://health.au.dk/en/display/artikel/ny-forskning-giver-bedre-indblik-i-kroppens-forsvar-mod-skadeligt-haemoglobin/)


Source-Eurekalert



Home

Consult

e-Book

Articles

News

Calculators

Drugs

Directories

Education

Consumer

Professional