Cluster Of Differentiation 14 (CD14) Protein

Background

CD14 is a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) expressed on the surface of monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils, where it plays a key role in the innate immune response CD14 functions as a co-receptor for the detection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria It forms a complex with LPS-binding protein (LBP) and transduces signals via the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-MD2 complex, initiating downstream activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and subsequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines CD14 exists in two forms, a membrane-bound form (mCD14) and a soluble form (sCD14), both of which contribute to LPS recognition and systemic inflammatory responses Dysregulation of CD14 signaling has been implicated in sepsis, chronic inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune disorders Elevated levels of soluble CD14 serve as a biomarker for monocyte activation in conditions such as HIV, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders