Expression pattern and clinical significance of MerTK on circulating NK cells in systemic lupus erythematosus.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To assess the clinical significance of Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MerTK) on circulating natural killer (NK) cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

63 patients with SLE and 36 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in this study. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants. MerTK expression on circulating NK cells (CD3^-CD56⁺) was detected by flow cytometry. MerTK expression was compared between patients with SLE and HCs or lupus nephritis (LN) and non-LN subgroups, and its correlation with clinical or laboratory features was also investigated. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to explore the potential function of MERTK in NK cells in SLE.

Results

MerTK expression on circulating NK cells was si

SUBMITTER: Liang R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12182121 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature