Scavenger Receptor

The scavenger receptor is a specialized receptor on the surface of white blood cells that binds to oxidized LDLs in the process of engorging the LDL. Unlike the LDL receptor, the scavenger receptor is not down-regulated by cholesterol, so these white blood cells can take up an almost unlimited amount of cholesterol. This converts them into foam cells.

See also: LDL, LDL Receptor, Cholesterol, Foam Cells