{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"The CD68 antigen is a heavily glycosylated trans-membrane protein of 87-115 kDa which is specifically expressed by tissue macrophages, Langerhans cells and, at low levels, by dendritic cells. CD68 could play a role in phagocytic activities of tissue macrophages, both in intracellular lysosomal metabolism and extracellular cell-cell and cell-pathogen interactions. CD68 antibody marks cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage. This antibody is capable of staining monocytes, Kupffer cells, osteoclasts, granulocytes and their precursors. However, since CD68 detects a formalin-resistant epitope that may be associated with lysosomal granules, other lysosome-rich cells may also produce positive results."}]}]}