CD14

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) elicits the secretion of mediators and cytokines produced by activated macrophages and monocytes. CD14 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein found on the surfaces of monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. CD14 functions as a receptor for LPS, resulting in the secretion of various proteins. An important component in the LPS activation of monocytes through the CD14 receptor is the "adapter molecule," lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP). There are two forms of CD14, a membrane-associated form (mCD14), and a soluble form (sCD14). mCD14 responds to LPS alone and facilitates the secretion of proteins, while cells not expressing mCD14 fail to respond to LPS. The cells that lack mCD14 respond to LPS/LBP in the presence of sCD14.