Human Marco scavenger receptor polypeptides (HMarcoSR) and DNA (RNA) encoding such HMarcoSR and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such HMarcoSR for the treatment of various cardivascular disorders, gangrene, and loss of function in the extremeties. Antagonists against such HMarcoSR and their use as a therapeutic to treat of various cardivascular disorders, gangrene, and loss of function in the extremeties are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to mutations in the nucleic acid sequences and altered concentrations of the polypeptides. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting mutations in the polynucleotides encoding the HMarcoSR and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide in a host.