Recombinant human OSCAR protein

OSCAR, also known as osteoclast-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor isoform 6, is an activating receptor expressed by human myeloid cells. It is a receptor for surfactant protein D that activates TNF-alpha release from human CCR2+ inflammatory monocytes. It is an FcRgamma-associated receptor that is expressed by myeloid cells and is involved in antigen presentation and activation of human dendritic cells. Its expression is detected specifically in preosteoclasts or mature osteoclasts. It is upregulated on monocytes from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with active disease, and these monocytes show an increased proosteoclastogenic potential. Recombinant human OSCAR, fused to His-tag at C-terminus, was expressed in insect cell and purified by using conventional chromatography techniques.