Soluble CD163: A Novel Biomarker with Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications in Autoimmune Diseases

To the Editor: Macrophage activation and function are significantly linked with the pathogenesis of a variety of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the precise mechanisms involved in this correlation are still elusive. Noticeably, we recently read with great interest the article by Peng, et al 1 showing serum soluble CD163 (sCD163) levels, mainly secreted by monocyte/macrophage lineage, were significantly increased in the patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) compared with healthy controls. Particularly, they highlighted the involvement of CD163+ macrophage infiltration in the muscle in the development of … Address correspondence to Associate Prof. Jiajie Luan, Department of Pharmacy in Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China 241001. E-mail: luanjiajie757{at}163.com