Macrophage Scavenger Receptors in Innate Immunity

Macrophage scavenger receptors constitute a diverse superfamily of cell-surface and secreted proteins that recognise and clear a wide array of endogenous and exogenous ligands. As integral components of innate immunity, they act as pattern recognition receptors that bind modified lipoproteins, apoptotic cells, pathogens and damage-associated molecular patterns. Through mechanisms including endocytosis, phagocytosis and signalling, these receptors contribute to tissue homeostasis, host defence and inflammatory regulation. Classes A through J of scavenger receptors share common structural motifs—such as collagen-like domains or cysteine‐rich regions—but display distinct ligand specificities and downstream pathways. In infection, they cooperate with Toll-like receptors and complement to orchestrate microbial clearance. In sterile inflammation and atherosclerosis, they mediate uptake of oxidised low‐density lipoprotein and apoptotic debris, influencing foam cell formation and plaque stability. Beyond classical roles in cardiovascular disease, scavenger receptors regulate macrophage phenotype in cancer, metabolic disorders and autoimmunity, underscoring their global significance as therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

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Macrophage Scavenger Receptors in Innate Immunity publication trend

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Technical terms

Scavenger receptor: A membrane-bound protein on macrophages that binds and internalises a broad range of ligands including modified lipoproteins, pathogens, and apoptotic cells.

Pattern recognition receptor: A receptor that recognises conserved molecular patterns on pathogens or damaged cells to initiate immune responses.

Ligand: A molecule that specifically binds to a receptor to trigger a biological response.

Endocytosis: The process by which cells internalise molecules or particles by engulfing them in membrane-bound vesicles.

References

1. Structure of scavenger receptor SCARF1 and its interaction with lipoproteins.. eLife (2024).
2. Scavenger receptors in host defense: from functional aspects to mode of action. Cell Communication and Signaling (2022).
3. The role of macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) in inflammatory disorders and cancer. Frontiers in Immunology (2022).
4. Lipid scavenging macrophages and inflammation. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids (2021).
5. Scavenger Receptor Structure and Function in Health and Disease. Cells (2015).