CD14, the 55-kDa glycoprotein known to function as a receptor for LPS, is expressed mainly
on the surface of monocytes/macrophages, and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), the cells
responsible for scavenging of LPS and bacteria. Although monocytes and PMN are the main
CD14 expressing cells few reports have described CD14 expression on B-cells, mesangial
cells and basophils. The plasma protein LBP plays an important role in the LPS-CD14
mediated cell activation. In addition to the function as receptor for LPS, several other functions
have been ascribed to CD14; next to the recognition of micro-organisms by the innate immune
system CD14 also plays a role in cell-cell interactions.
Besides the membrane bound form of CD14, the soluble form of CD14 (sCD14), which lacks
the GPI anchor, is also involved in LPS-induced cell activation. Two forms of sCD14 have been
described. An approximately 48 kDa form, derived from monocytes membrane CD14, and a
56 kDa form, speculated to be directly released in plasma or supernatant after processing.
sCD14 affects LPS functioning via several pathways. sCD14 is an intermediate in the transfer
of LPS to lipoproteins, resulting into neutralization of LPS. On the contrary, sCD14 facilitates
LPS activation of CD14-membrane negative cells like endo- and epithelium. Furthermore, high
concentrations of sCD14 were shown to block LPS-induced activation of monocytes. sCD14
thus both enhances and reduces cellular responses to LPS.
sCD14 was demonstrated to be present in plasma in levels ranging from 2 – 4 µg/ml and to be
enhanced in infectious diseases.
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