LY86 (lymphocyte antigen 86), also known as MD1, functions as a key mediator in innate immune responses and lipid metabolism. The protein cooperates with CD180 and TLR4 to facilitate bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) recognition and cytokine production, playing a crucial role in immune system processes 1. LY86 demonstrates significant involvement in atherosclerosis pathogenesis by promoting ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation in macrophages through upregulation of the SREBP2/HMGCR pathway, leading to enhanced cholesterol synthesis 2. The gene shows elevated expression in human atherosclerotic plaques and serves as a biomarker for carotid atherosclerosis, with higher expression correlating with worse prognosis 3. Additionally, LY86 contributes to neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation via Toll-like receptor signaling, creating a harmful feedback loop that promotes unstable carotid plaque development 1. DNA methylation of LY86 is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers, suggesting epigenetic regulation of metabolic processes 4. The gene has also been identified as a potential therapeutic target for periodontitis and shows shared expression patterns between obesity and periodontitis, indicating its role in chr6 inflammatory conditions 56.