Role of erythropoietin and its receptor beyond erythropoiesis

Abstract

Primary role of erythropoietin (EPO) is to protect red blood cell progenitors from apoptosis and to stimulate their growth and differentiation by binding to its receptor (EPOR). However, EPOR has been identified on other human cells, such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), monocytes, lymphocytes, endothelial cells and neurons. Its presence on these cells suggests that beyond erythropoietic function EPO might have some other properties. This review presents current knowledge on the role of EPO and its receptor in the immune, central nervous and cardiovascular systems.