CD5 antigen-like (CD5L)

Secreted protein that acts as a key regulator of lipid synthesis: mainly expressed by macrophages in lymphoid and inflammed tissues and regulates mechanisms in inflammatory responses, such as infection or atherosclerosis. Following incorporation into mature adipocytes via CD36-mediated endocytosis, partners with cytosolic FASN, inhibiting fatty acid synthase activity and resulting in lipolysis, the degradation of triacylglycerols to glycerol and free fatty acids (FFA).

CD5L-induced lipolysis occurs with development of obesity: participates in obesity-associated inflammation after recruitment of inflammatory macrophages into adipose tissues, a cause of insulin resistance and obesity- related metabolic disease. Regulation of intracellular lipids mediated by CD5L has a direct effect on transcription regulation mediated by nuclear receptors ROR-gamma (RORC).