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Published on: November 12, 2020
Expression of Macrophage Scavenger Receptor (MSR1) in Peripheral Blood Cells from Patients with Different Respiratory
Selene Baos1, Lucía Cremades-Jimeno1, María López-Ramos1
1Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Background:
Macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) has mostly been described in macrophages, but we previously found a significant gene expression increase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of asthmatic patients.
Objective:
To confirm those results and to define its cellular origin in PBMCs.
Methods:
Four groups of subjects were studied: healthy controls (C), nonallergic asthmatic (NA), allergic asthmatic (AA), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. RNA was extracted from PBMCs. MSR1 gene expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR. The presence of MSR1 on the cellular surface of PBMC cellular subtypes was analyzed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.
Results:
MSR1 gene expression was significantly increased in the three clinical conditions compared to the healthy control group, with substantial variations according to disease type and severity. MSR1 expression on T cells (CD4+ and CD8+), B cells, and monocytes was confirmed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. In all clinical groups, the four immune cell subtypes studied expressed MSR1, with a greater expression on B lymphocytes and monocytes, exhibiting differences according to disease and severity.
Conclusions:
This is the first description of MSR1's presence on lymphocytes' surfaces and reinforces the potential role of MSR1 as a player in asthma and COPD.
Insights
Macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) is elevated in immune cells of asthma and COPD patients. This study confirms MSR1 expression on T cells, B cells, and monocytes, highlighting its potential role in these respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) is typically found on macrophages.
- Previous findings indicated increased MSR1 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of asthma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- Confirm elevated MSR1 gene expression in PBMCs from asthmatic patients.
- Determine the specific immune cell types within PBMCs that express MSR1.
Main Methods:
- Studied four groups: healthy controls, nonallergic asthmatics, allergic asthmatics, and COPD patients.
- Analyzed MSR1 gene expression using RT-qPCR.
- Assessed MSR1 surface presence on PBMC subtypes via confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- MSR1 gene expression was significantly higher in all patient groups compared to controls.
- MSR1 was detected on the surface of T cells (CD4+, CD8+), B cells, and monocytes.
- Expression levels varied by disease type and severity, with higher MSR1 on B cells and monocytes.
Conclusions:
- This research is the first to report MSR1 presence on lymphocyte surfaces.
- MSR1's expression on various immune cells suggests a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma and COPD.

