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Pediatric Rheumatology
Published in: Pediatric Rheumatology 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Increased soluble phagocytic receptors sMer, sTyro3 and sAxl and reduced phagocytosis in Juvenile-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Authors: Lucy Ballantine, Angela Midgley, David Harris, Ella Richards, Sarah Burgess, Michael W Beresford

Published in: Pediatric Rheumatology | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

The TAM-receptor tyrosine kinase family, Tyro3, Axl and Mer are key to apoptotic cell clearance. Reduced phagocytic clearance in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) leads to prolonged exposure of nuclear autoantigen to the immune system. Here we measure the levels of TAM receptors and the phagocytic capacity of monocytes and macrophages in juvenile-onset SLE (JSLE).

Method

Mer protein was measured on monocytes from JSLE, healthy control and JIA patients. JSLE, healthy control and JIA patients’ plasma were analysed for soluble Mer (sMer), soluble Tyro3 (sTyro) and soluble Axl (sAxl). A phagocytosis assay measured the effect of JSLE serum on phagocytic potential of JSLE and control monocytes to engulf E. Coli bacteria and healthy macrophages to engulf apoptotic neutrophils.

Results

Mer receptor expression was significantly decreased on JSLE monocytes compared to healthy controls. Plasma sMer, sTyro and sAxl were significantly increased in JSLE patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Adult healthy control macrophages had significantly decreased phagocytosis of E. Coli and apoptotic neutrophils in the presence of 10% JSLE serum compared to control serum (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

JSLE patients have a decreased phagocytosis due to both serum and cell-derived factors. Significantly increased levels of sMer, sTyro3 and sAxl may be important factors contributing to the deficit in phagocytosis ability.
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Metadata
Title
Increased soluble phagocytic receptors sMer, sTyro3 and sAxl and reduced phagocytosis in Juvenile-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors
Lucy Ballantine
Angela Midgley
David Harris
Ella Richards
Sarah Burgess
Michael W Beresford
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Pediatric Rheumatology / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1546-0096
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12969-015-0007-y

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