Alexa Fluor^® 488 Mouse Anti-Rat CD68 Antibody (S-R674)

CD68, also known as macrosialin in mice, is a heavily glycosylated type I transmembrane glycoprotein that belongs to the lysosome-associated membrane protein family. It is predominantly expressed in cells of the monocyte lineage, such as macrophages, microglia, and osteoclasts. CD68 serves as a reliable marker for these immune cells and plays a crucial role in various immunological processes. It is primarily located within lysosomes and endosomes but can also be found on the cell surface. CD68 is involved in phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and the clearance of cellular debris and pathogens. In addition, it has been implicated in the regulation of bone resorption and may serve as a receptor for malaria sporozoite in liver infection. In the context of cancer, CD68 expression is often used as a prognostic marker, with higher numbers of CD68-positive tumor-associated macrophages correlating with worse outcomes in some studies.