title: Serum LAIR-2 is increased in autoimmune thyroid diseases.
abstract: Leukocyte-associated Ig-like receptor (LAIR) is a small family-receptor able to inhibit immune cell function via collagen binding. It exists as both membrane-bound and soluble forms. LAIR-1 functions as an inhibitory receptor on natural killer cells, T lymphocytes and monocytes. In addition to LAIR-1, the human genome encodes LAIR-2, a soluble homolog. Several studies have focused on LAIR-1, whereas few investigations concentrate on the expression and function of LAIR-2. We demonstrate the presence of high LAIR-2 levels in 74/80 sera from patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (both Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis). LAIR-2 levels seemed not to be related to specific clinical manifestations, such as thyroid functions (hypo- or hyperthyroidism), or specific clinical features (such as ophtalmopathy). In addition, serum LAIR-2 is able, in vitro, to bind its natural ligand, collagen. Since LAIR-2 has been found to have higher affinity for collagens than LAIR-1 did, we hypothesize a potential regulating capability of serum LAIR-2 in finally regulating the inhibitory capability of LAIR-1.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine - Section of Human Anatomy, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Simone
authors.forename: Giampaola
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pesce
authors.forename: Princey
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Antola
authors.forename: Domenico F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Merlo
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bagnasco
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Saverino
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D013967:Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: C431503:LAIR-2 receptor; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D003094:Collagen