Scavenger receptor (null)

Scavenger receptors are a superfamily of "cell surface receptors" that bind a wide variety of ligands—including modified lipoproteins, apoptotic cells, and microbial components—and promote the removal of non-self or altered-self targets[4][1][3]. They function as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) involved in the recognition, endocytosis, phagocytosis, adhesion, and signaling, leading to elimination of harmful substances and linking innate to adaptive immunity[6][3][4]. Scavenger receptors are structurally heterogeneous and are grouped into several classes (at least 10 in mammals: A-L) based on protein structure and ligand specificity[2][4][3]. Major members include class A (SR-A1/MSR1, SCARA family), class B (SR-BI, CD36), class D (SR-D1/CD68), and others, with diverse roles in "innate immunity, atherosclerosis, infection, neurodegeneration, and inflammation"[1][2][8]. They are predominantly expressed on myeloid cells (macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells), but also found on endothelial cells and other immune and non-immune cells[3][8]. Owing to broad ligand specificity, scavenger receptors can cooperate with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in cellular immune responses and may serve as therapeutic targets or disease biomarkers in cardiovascular, infectious, metabolic, and inflammatory disorders[2][6][7].

Other names

SRspattern recognition receptor (PRR) familyclass A scavenger receptor (SR-A)class B scavenger receptor (SR-B)class D scavenger receptor (SR-D)CD36MSR1SCARB1MARCOCD163SR-A1SR-B1SR-B2

Inhibition or modulation of ligand binding/uptake (e.g. oxidized LDL, pathogens, lipids); Suppression of phagocytosis; Attenuation of inflammatory signaling; Blockade of specific SR classes (A, B, etc.) in disease models