Scavenger receptor that displays several functions associated with host defense. Promotes binding and phagocytosis of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and yeast. Mediates the recognition, internalization and degradation of oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) by vascular endothelial cells. Binds to several carbohydrates including Gal-type ligands, D-galactose, L- and D-fucose, GalNAc, T and Tn antigens in a calcium-dependent manner and internalizes specifically GalNAc in nurse-like cells. Binds also to sialyl Lewis X or a trisaccharide and asialo-orosomucoid (ASOR). May also play a role in the clearance of amyloid-beta in Alzheimer disease.
Subcellular locations: Membrane
Forms clusters on the cell surface.
Expressed in perivascular macrophages. Expressed in plaques-surrounding reactive astrocytes and in perivascular astrocytes associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in the temporal cortex of Alzheimer patient (at protein level). Strongly expressed in placenta. Moderately expressed in heart, skeletal muscle, small intestine and lung. Weakly expressed in brain, colon, thymus and kidney. Expressed in nurse-like cells. Expressed in reactive astrocytes and vascular/perivascular cells in the brain of Alzheimer patient.