Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody to CD163

Involved in clearance and endocytosis of hemoglobin/haptoglobin complexes by macrophages and may thereby protect tissues from free hemoglobin~mediated oxidative damage. May play a role in the uptake and recycling of iron, via endocytosis of hemoglobin/haptoglobin and subsequent breakdown of heme. Binds hemoglobin/haptoglobin complexes in a calcium~dependent and pH~dependent manner. Induces a cascade of intracellular signals that involves tyrosine kinase~dependent calcium mobilization, inositol triphosphate production and secretion of IL6 and CSF1 (By similarity).