Mannose receptor and phagocytosis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of mannose receptor in phagocytosis. The mannose receptor (MR) is a ≈175 kDa transmembrane receptor expressed on resident macrophage subpopulations, dendritic cells, and on subsets of endothelial cells. The mannose receptor mediates the uptake of ligands bearing appropriately configured carbohydrate residues. Its ligand binding profile confers on it a broad capacity to recognize non-self over self-molecules, in keeping with its designation as a pattern recognition receptor. Ligation of the receptor is followed by internalization of the bound ligand, and is coupled to a variety of cellular processes directed toward destruction of pathogens, participation in the inflammatory response, or stimulation of the immune system. While this receptor is capable of both endocytic and phagocytic uptake, the signaling pathways utilized remain to be determined.