CD14 antigen is a GPI-linked glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 55kD. The CD14 antigen is expressed on cells of the myelomonocytic lineage including monocytes, macrophages and Langerhans cells. Low expression is observed on neutrophils and on human B cells. CD14 antigen is a receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) and the lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP). LBP and CD14 antigen serves two physiological roles. These proteins act as opsonin and opsonic receptor, respectively, to promote the phagocytic uptake of bacteria or LPScoated particles by macrophages.
