(A) Untreated FM explants (n=3) were homogenized and analyzed for expression of TYRO3, AXL, MERTK, GAS6 and PROS1 mRNA by qRT-PCR. (B–C) Human FM explants were treated with no treatment (NT), LPS (100ng/ml), MHV-68 (1.5×104/ml PFU) or both MHV-68 and LPS in the presence of media or rGas6 (50ng/ml) (n=5). Tissues were homogenized for protein and Western blot performed for (B) AXL (~140kDa) and (C) MERTK (~180kDa). Blots are from one representative experiment. Bar charts show AXL and MERTK expression as determined by densitometry and normalized to b-actin. (D) FM explants were treated with NT, LPS (1ng/ml), Poly(I:C) (20µg/ml) or both Poly(I:C) and LPS (n=4). Tissues were homogenized for protein and Western blot performed for AXL and MERTK. Blots are from one representative experiment. Bar charts show AXL and MERTK expression as determined by densitometry and normalized to β-actin. (E–F) Human FM explants were treated with no treatment (NT), LPS, MHV-68 or both MHV-68 and LPS in either the presence of media or rGAS6. Tissues were homogenized for protein and ELISA performed for (E) sMERTK (n=7); (F) GAS6 (n=5), and (G) PROS1 (n=8). *p<0.05 relative to the NT control unless otherwise indicated. Data are expressed as mean±SEM.