The research progress of TAM signaling pathway in autoimmune diseases

TAM receptors are new sub-family of tyrosine kinase receptors family, which include Tyro3, Mer and Axl.They play an important part in the regulation of immune system and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells.TAM receptors are expressed in monocytes, macrophage and other immune cells.Recent studies have shown that TAM aberrantly expressed in patients with autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis.It is might be important to determine the biological characteristics of TAM and their correlation with autoimmune diseases. Key words: TAM signaling pathway; Autoimmune diseases; Innate immunity