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Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Quantification of Efferocytosis by Single-cell Fluorescence Microscopy
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Quantification of Efferocytosis by Single-cell Fluorescence Microscopy

Published on: August 18, 2018

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Tyro3, Axl, Mertk receptor-mediated efferocytosis and immune regulation in the tumor environment

Liwen Zhou1, Glenn K Matsushima2

  • 1UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina-CH, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The TAM receptor family, including Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk, plays a crucial role in efferocytosis, the process of clearing apoptotic cells. This function is vital for resolving inflammation and promoting tissue healing in mammals.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (TAM) receptor tyrosine kinases are structurally related cell surface receptors.
  • TAM receptors are implicated in immune function, tissue homeostasis, cardiovascular health, and cancer.
  • These receptors are expressed in adult mammals across diverse cell types, indicating broad regulatory roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of TAM receptors in initiating efferocytosis.
  • To explore the consequences of TAM receptor-mediated efferocytosis on immune responses.
  • To understand the involvement of TAM receptors in inflammation and cancer contexts.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on the mechanisms by which TAM receptors detect phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells.
  • Investigate the requirement for intermediary opsonizing molecules.
  • Examine the interaction between opsonized apoptotic cells and TAM receptors on phagocytes.

Main Results:

  • TAM receptors facilitate the engulfment of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) through phosphatidylserine recognition.
  • Efferocytosis mediated by TAM receptors leads to the resolution of inflammation.
  • This process is critical for effective tissue repair and homeostasis.

Conclusions:

  • TAM receptors are key regulators of efferocytosis, essential for immune homeostasis.
  • Dysregulation of TAM receptor signaling may contribute to inflammatory conditions and cancer progression.
  • Understanding TAM receptor function offers therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases and cancer.
Keywords:
Apoptotic cellsCancerDendritic cellsMacrophagesReceptor tyrosine kinasesSignal transductionT cells

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