Mediates the endocytosis of plasma glycoproteins to which the terminal sialic acid residue on their complex carbohydrate moieties has been removed. The receptor recognizes terminal galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine units. After ligand binding to the receptor, the resulting complex is internalized and transported to a sorting organelle, where receptor and ligand are disassociated. The receptor then returns to the cell membrane surface. The functioning ligand-binding unit of this receptor is thought to be at least a dimer. Interacts with LASS2. (Microbial infection) Interacts with hepatitis E virus capsid protein ORF2. Expressed exclusively in hepatic parenchymal cells. Calcium is required for ligand binding. Hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor subunit 2