protein_function: Involved in clearance and endocytosis ofhemoglobin,haptoglobin complexes by macrophages and may therebyprotect tissues from free hemoglobin-mediated oxidative damage.May play a role in the uptake and recycling of iron, viaendocytosis of hemoglobin,haptoglobin and subsequent breakdown ofheme. Binds hemoglobin,haptoglobin complexes in a calcium-dependent and pH-dependent manner. Induces a cascade ofintracellular signals that involves tyrosine kinase-dependentcalcium mobilization, inositol triphosphate production andsecretion of IL6 and CSF1 (By similarity)..
CD163(Cluster of Differentiation 163) is a human protein encoded by the CD163 gene. It has also been shown to mark cells of monocyte,macrophage lineage. CD163, a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich(SRCR) superfamily, is exclusively expressed by monocytes and macrophages. Using FISH, somatic cell hybrid analysis, and radiation hybrid analysis, CD163 gene was mapped the to chromosome 12p13.3. CD163 is upregulated in a large range of diseases inflammatory diseases including type 2 diabetes, macrophage activation sickness, Tangier"s disease, reumatoid arthritis etc.