Role of CD163 in dermatology

Abstract

Scavenger receptor CD163 is specifically found on monocytes and macrophages, serving as a prominent marker for alternatively activated macrophages. The expression of CD163 is notably heightened in circulating monocytes of individuals experiencing systemic inflammation. Additionally, soluble CD163 molecules may impede the activation and proliferation of human T lymphocytes in vitro, thus contributing to the attenuation of the inflammatory response. Elevated levels of sCD163 have been observed during the wound healing process, suggesting a potential involvement of CD163 in the development of fibrotic diseases and the remodeling of connective tissue. In psoriatic lesional skin, CD163+ cells exhibit a threefold increase, returning to baseline levels in non-lesional skin following effective treatment. The infiltration of CD163-positive macrophages is indicative of systemic involvement in sarcoidosis. Furthermore, sCD163 and CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages serve as prognostic indicators for early-stage cutaneous melanoma, while CD163+ cells, which are markers of alternatively activated macrophages, are present in the lesional skin of atopic dermatitis.