MARCO
Description
The MARCO (macrophage receptor with collagenous structure) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
MARCO (Macrophage receptor with collagenous structure) is a protein encoded by the MARCO gene in humans. It is a class A scavenger receptor found on specific subsets of macrophages, which are immune cells. Scavenger receptors are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that bind to polyanions and modified forms of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). MARCO binds and phagocytoses these ligands and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), leading to pathogen clearance and inflammatory signaling. As part of the innate immune system, MARCO clears pathogens, triggering inflammatory responses. The SRCR (scavenger receptor cysteine-rich) domain on the extracellular side of MARCO binds ligands, activating subsequent immune responses. MARCO expression on macrophages has been linked to tumor development and Alzheimer's disease, with decreased cellular responses upon ligand binding to MARCO. MARCO is a transmembrane protein with five domains: a cytoplasmic domain, a transmembrane domain, a spacer domain, a collagenous domain, and the SRCR domain.
MARCO is also known as SCARA2, SR-A6.
