Cd68, also known as CD68 molecule, plays a critical role in promoting phagocytosis. Macrophages and other cells can express the CD68 antigen [5]. It is involved in the regulation of immune responses and has been associated with inflammation-related processes [5,6]. Genetic models, such as gene knockout (KO) or conditional knockout (CKO) mouse models, could potentially be valuable in further elucidating its functions in vivo.

In various cancers, CD68 shows significant associations. In gastric cancer, higher infiltration of SPI1+CD68+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is related to poor overall survival, and SPI1 in these macrophages promotes M2-type macrophage polarization and angiogenesis, suggesting it as a biomarker for prognosis and a target for combined anti-angiogenic and immunotherapy [1]. In Hodgkin's lymphoma, increased infiltration of CD68+ macrophages correlates with poor prognosis, as they support the survival of Reed Sternberg Cells [2]. In glioma, TIM-3/CD68 double-high expression indicates poor survival and may be a new marker, and exploring the combination of TIM-3 inhibitors and p38 MAPK inhibitor could be a treatment direction [3]. In pan-cancer analysis, CD68 levels vary in different cancer types, with high levels correlating with adverse prognosis in some cancers like glioblastoma and favorable prognosis in kidney chromophobe, and inhibiting CD68-dependent signaling could be a therapeutic strategy [4]. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), high infiltration of CD68+SHP2+ TAMs predicts poor overall survival, and targeting SHP2 may inhibit M2-phenotype polarization [7]. In hepatocellular carcinoma, a meta-analysis showed that CD68+ TAMs are significantly associated with unfavorable overall survival and disease-free survival, suggesting it as a prognostic biomarker [8]. In intracranial aneurysms, there may be an involvement of CD68 in aneurysm development but not rupture, and its expression in the aneurysmal wall is associated with aneurysm size [5,6].

In conclusion, Cd68 is involved in immune-related functions, especially in the context of tumor-associated macrophages across multiple cancer types, where it can influence prognosis and potentially serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target. In intracranial aneurysms, it may be related to the development rather than rupture. Studies using KO or CKO mouse models could further clarify its roles in these disease conditions.