Stabilin-1 is expressed in human breast cancer and supports tumor growth in mammary adenocarcinoma mouse model.

Stabilin-1 is a multifunctional scavenger receptor expressed on alternatively-activated macrophages. Stabilin-1 mediates phagocytosis of "unwanted-self" components, intracellular sorting, and endocytic clearance of extracellular ligands including SPARC that modulates breast cancer growth. The expression of stabilin-1 was found on tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in mouse and human cancers including melanoma, lymphoma, glioblastoma, and pancreatic insulinoma.

Identification and characterization of the specific murine NK cell subset supporting graft--leukemia- and reducing graft--host-effects.

Clinical studies investigating the impact of natural killer (NK) cells in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation settings have yielded promising results. However, NK cells are a functionally and phenotypically heterogeneous population. Therefore, we addressed the functional relevance of specific NK cell subsets distinguished by expression of CD117, CD27 and CD11b surface markers in graft-versus-leukemia (GVL)-reaction and graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD).

Novel monocyte biomarkers of atherogenic conditions.

Hidden low grade inflammation underlines various cardio-metabolic diseases. This type of inflammation is triggered by abnormal reaction to unwanted self products or deregulation of cellular response to cytokines. In the case of atherosclerosis hidden inflammation is induced by modified lipoproteins and develops under control of different cytokines including IL-4 and TGFβ.

A second combinatorial immune receptor in monocytes/macrophages is based on the TCRγδ.

Recent evidence indicates that monocytes and macrophages express T cell receptor (TCR)αβ-like combinatorial immune receptors. Here, we demonstrate the presence of a second recombinatorial immunoreceptor, which is structurally based on the TCR γ- and δ-chains, in human and murine monocytes and differentially activated macrophages (referred to here as TCRL(m)γδ). In vitro, infection of macrophages with mycobacteria and gram positive or gram negative bacteria induced expression of donor-specific and differential TCRL(m)Vδ repertoires indicating that the novel immunoreceptor represents a dynamic flexible host defense system that responds to bacterial challenge.