The role of glucocorticoid in SIRPα and SHP-1 gene expression in AIHA patients

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the regulation of SIRPα, an inhibitory phagocyte receptor, and the phosphatase SHP-1 in monocytes of patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and the role of dexamethasone on SIRPα and SHP-1 gene expression and erythrophagocytosis in vitro. SIRPα and SHP-1 expression was higher in monocytes from AIHA patients compared with normal, returning to normal after glucocorticoid therapy. SIRPα and SHP-1 mRNA expression was upregulated in healthy monocytes treated with dexamethasone compared with basal; however, the erythrophagocytic ability was not altered. Our results point to a minor role of SIRPα and SHP-1 in determining AIHA