SCARA5 is a 495 amino acid cell membrane protein. SCARA5 is expressed at high levels in testis, with highest levels specifically found in specific populations of epithelial cells and Sertoli cells. SCARA5 forms a homotrimer single-pass type II membrane complex present on the surface of the plasma membrane. Cells transfected with SCARA5 were able to bind particular gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, suggesting a possible role for SCARA5 in immunity to infection. It has also been suggested that SCARA5 may be involved in transferrin delivery pathways. Expressed as four isoforms produced by alternative splicing, SCARA5 contains one collagen-like domain and one SRCR domain.