CD14: cell surface receptor and differentiation marker.

In the past, CD14 has been viewed simply as a useful marker molecule for monocytes and macrophages. Now, new findings on its role in binding of LPS-LBP complexes and in signal transduction have engendered renewed interest in the properties of CD14. Here, CD14 function, its expression in different cell types and the regulation of expression, including the generation of soluble CD14, are described, and the diagnostic value of CD14 in various diseases is discussed.