Page 32 - M. Immunology

[M. Immunology-22]

TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases: roles in anti-

inflammation through regulating macrophage function

In-Byung Park¹, Taehoon Chun¹˙*

¹Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea

Macrophage is essential for innate immunity. It initiates not only inflammatory response, but also tissue repair and
anti-inflammatory responses. Thus, it is important to regulate macrophage activity for maintaining immune
homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests that TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and Mer) family of receptor tyrosine kinases

participate in anti-inflammatory responses by modulating the function of macrophages. First, apoptotic bodies are

eliminated through interaction between TAM receptors on macrophage and ligands of apoptotic bodies. These
interactions result in prevention of broad inflammation. Second, TAM signaling attenuates inflammatory pathways
through several receptors, leading to prevention of chronic activation of macrophages. Third, TAM signaling

participate in inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages by inducing autophagy. Fourth, TAM
signaling can inhibit M1 macrophages polarization. In this review, we will focus on mechanisms of TAM receptors

mediated anti-inflammatory responses. We will also discuss various TAM signaling related human diseases and
potential therapeutic strategies. This work was supported by a grant from the Next-Generation BioGreen 21 Program

(Project No. PJ01327101), Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.