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The Role of TAM Family Receptors in Immune Cell Function: Implications for Cancer Therapy

Magdalena Paolino1, Josef M Penninger2

  • 1IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Bohrgasse 3, A-1030 Vienna, Austria. magdalena.paolino@imba.oeaw.ac.at.

Cancers
|October 25, 2016
PubMed

Insights

TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) regulate immune homeostasis and tissue repair. Their dysregulation links to diseases, and their modulation offers potential cancer immunotherapy strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The TAM receptor tyrosine kinases (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) are crucial for immune homeostasis, guided by ligands Gas6 and Pros1.
  • These receptors resolve inflammation by suppressing innate cell activation, promoting tissue repair, and clearing apoptotic cells.
  • Dysregulated TAM signaling is implicated in autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious diseases, and cancer pathogenesis.

Approach:

  • This review synthesitsizes current knowledge on TAM receptor functions in immunity.
  • It specifically examines their role in regulating anti-tumor immune responses.
  • The implications for cancer immunotherapy strategies are discussed.

Key Points:

  • TAM receptors act as negative immune regulators, essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis.
  • They play a dual role in cancer, influencing tumor development and anti-tumor immunity.
  • Targeting TAM receptors presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding TAM receptor signaling is vital for comprehending immune regulation and disease pathogenesis.
  • Their complex role in cancer necessitates further investigation for effective therapeutic targeting.
  • Modulating TAM receptors holds significant potential for advancing cancer immunotherapy.
Keywords:
Cbl-bGas6NK cellsProtein STAM receptorscancer immunotherapy

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