Enhancement of human monocyte phagocytic function by alpha 2HS glycoprotein

Human alpha 2HS glycoprotein was isolated from normal adult serum and its effect on monocyte phagocytic function (in vitro) was investigated. The results demonstrate that alpha 2HS glycoprotein enhances the ability of peripheral blood monocytes to take up radiolabelled latex particles compared to control cells. Enhanced uptake required the simultaneous presence of cells, substrate and alpha 2HS glycoprotein. This uptake was dependent on the concentration of alpha 2HS glycoprotein offering the possibility that reduced levels of this protein, as in malignant and inflammatory disease, may result in decreased phagocytic function.