The scavenger receptor SCARA5 is an endocytic receptor for von Willebrand factor expressed by littoral cells in the human spleen.

Background Scavenger receptors play a significant role in clearing aged proteins from the plasma, including the large glycoprotein coagulation factors von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII). A large genome-wide association study meta-analysis has identified genetic variants in the gene SCARA5, which encodes the class A scavenger receptor SCARA5, as being associated with plasma levels of VWF and FVIII. Objectives The ability of SCARA5 to regulate the clearance of VWF-FVIII was characterized. Methods VWF-FVIII interactions with SCARA5 were evaluated by solid phase binding assays and in vitro cell based assays. The influence of SCARA5 deficiency on VWF:Ag and half-life was assessed in a murine model. The expression pattern of SCARA5 and its colocalization with VWF was evaluated in human tissues. Results VWF and the VWF-FVIII complex bound to human recombinant SCARA5 in a dose- and calcium-dependent manner. SCARA5 expressing HEK 293T cells bound and internalized VWF and the VWF-FVIII complex into early endosomes. In vivo, SCARA5 deficiency had a modest influence on the half-life of human VWF. mRNA analysis and immunohistochemistry determined that human SCARA5 is expressed in kidney podocytes and the red pulp, white pulp, and marginal zone of the spleen. VWF was found to colocalize with SCARA5 expressed by littoral cells lining the red pulp of the human spleen. Conclusions SCARA5 is an adhesive and endocytic receptor for VWF. In human tissues, SCARA5 is expressed by kidney podocytes and splenic littoral endothelial cells. SCARA5 may have a modest influence on VWF clearance in humans.