The MRC2 antibody targets the macrophage mannose receptor 2 (MRC2), also known as CD206 or CLEC13D, a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the C-type lectin family. Primarily expressed on macrophages and dendritic cells, MRC2 plays a critical role in innate immunity by mediating pathogen recognition, endocytosis, and antigen presentation. Its structure includes an N-terminal cysteine-rich domain, a fibronectin type II repeat, and C-terminal carbohydrate-recognition domains that bind mannose, fucose, and other glycans on microbial surfaces or damaged tissues.
MRC2 antibodies are widely used in research to study macrophage polarization, tissue remodeling, and immune regulation. They help identify MRC2-positive cells in pathological contexts, such as tumor microenvironments, where MRC2+ macrophages often correlate with immunosuppression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Additionally, these antibodies are employed in fibrosis and inflammation studies, as MRC2 facilitates collagen clearance and modulates inflammatory responses.
Clinically, MRC2 is explored as a biomarker for disease progression and a potential therapeutic target. Antibody-based tools, including neutralizing antibodies or antibody-drug conjugates, are under investigation to modulate macrophage activity in cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. Research also highlights its role in metabolic disorders, making MRC2 antibodies valuable for dissecting immune-metabolic cross-talk. Their applications span immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and functional assays, underscoring their versatility in both basic and translational immunology.