The receptors Tyro3/Axl/Mer (TAM) are a poorly understood family of receptor tyrosine kinases that have been shown to regulate TLR signaling. In response to the TAM ligands an anti-inflammatory signaling pathway is induced with activation of the suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1) protein and SOCS3. In addition to their roles in limiting TLR and cytokine signaling, TAM receptors are involved in the phagocytosis of dead cells.

We aim to:

• identify ways by which we can influence the activity of TAM receptors to regulate TLR signaling
• find novel molecules that interact with TAM receptors
• better understand the interaction of TAM receptors with other signaling molecules
• investigate cellular trafficking of TAM receptors following their activation