The macrophage LDL receptor and LDL receptor-related protein (LRP, CD91) mediate the phagocytic-like uptake of atherogenic lipoproteins and apoptotic cells, yet the structural basis of their phagocytic functions is not known. To address this issue, we transfected macrophages with chimeric proteins containing the cytoplasmic tails and transmembrane regions of the LDL receptor or LRP and the ectodomain of CD2, which can bind non-opsonized sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). Macrophages expressing receptors containing the LDL receptor domains were able to bind but not internalize SRBCs. In contrast, macrophages expressing receptors containing the cytoplasmic tail of LRP were able to bind and internalize SRBCs. Chimeras in which the LRP cytoplasmic tail was mutated in two di-leucine motifs and a tyrosine in an NPXYXXL motif were able to endocytose anti-CD2 antibody and bind SRBCs, but SRBC phagocytosis was decreased by 70%. Thus, the phagocytic-like functions of LRP, but not those of the LDL receptor, can be explained by the ability of the LRP cytoplasmic tail to trigger phagocytosis. These findings have important implications for atherogenesis and apoptotic cell clearance and for a fundamental cell biological understanding of how the LDL receptor and LRP function in internalization processes.The ability of macrophages to internalize large particles by the process known as phagocytosis represents a key property of this cell type (1). A variety of macrophage receptors have been demonstrated to mediate phagocytosis, including receptors that bind to the IgG-Fc domain, mannose residues, and complement after these molecules have opsonized cells. The process of phagocytosis involves a cascade of signaling reactions that orchestrate changes in the actin cytoskeleton and the delivery of internal membranes to the engulfing regions of the macrophage plasma membrane. These signaling reactions are coordinated by the recruitment of actin-and membrane-related signal transduction molecules, including tyrosine kinases, by the cytoplasmic tails of these phagocytic receptors (1). Indeed, the cytoplasmic domains of the receptors mentioned above can trigger phagocytosis in chimeric receptors containing ectodomains from non-phagocytic receptors (2-5).Certain members of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) 1 receptor family have been implicated in important phagocyticlike processes and have therefore been referred to as "phagocytic receptors." LDL receptor-related protein (LRP, CD91) has been reported to participate in the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages (6 -8). In addition, LRP has been shown to play a role in the uptake of matrix-retained and aggregated LDL by macrophages and aggregated LDL by smooth muscle cells (9, 10). Moreover, work from a number of laboratories has shown that the LDL receptor itself mediates the uptake of large LDL aggregates (9,(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). The internalization of matrix-retained LDL by LRP and aggregated LDL by the LDL receptor are thought to contribute to the critical event of foam cell formation...