Role of CD14 in human disease

The cell surface antigen CD14 is primarily understood to act as a co-receptor for toll-like receptors (TLRs) to activate innate immunity responses to pathogens and tissue injury in macrophages and monocytes. However, roles for CD14 are increasingly being uncovered in disease responses in epithelial and endothelial cells. Consistent with these broader functions, CD14 expression is altered in a variety of non-immune cell types in response to a several of disease states. Moreover, soluble CD14 activated by factors from both pathogens and tissue damage may initiate signalling in a variety of non-immune cells. This review examined the current understanding CD14 in innate immunity as well as its potential functions in nonimmune cells and associated human diseases.

Automated summary

The cell surface antigen CD14 acts as a co-receptor for toll-like receptors (TLRs) in macrophages and monocytes, but also has roles in disease responses in epithelial and endothelial cells. CD14 expression is altered in various non-immune cell types in response to disease states, and soluble CD14 can initiate signaling in these cells. This review examines CD14's role in innate immunity and its potential functions in non-immune cells and associated human diseases.