Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (Ox-LDL receptor 1 or OLR1), also known as lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX1), is a receptor protein that belongs to the C-type lectin superfamily. LOX1 is a multi-ligand receptor originally identified as the endothelial oxidized LDL receptor. OLR1 / LOX1 was isolated from an aortic endothelial cell, and recently it has been discovered in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells in artery vessels. The expression of LOX1 is inducted by inflammatory stimuli and oxidative stimuli. This protein binds, internalizes and degrades oxidized low-density lipoprotein. LOX1 may play an important role in the progression of vulnerable carotid plaque and might regulate vulnerable plaque formation in cooperation with MMPs and TIMP-2. In clinical, LOX1 is thought to be involved in the development of atherosclerotic lesions.
