TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl, and Mer) belong to a family of receptor tyrosine kinases that have important effects on hemostasis and inflammation. TAM receptors affect cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, and migration. TAM receptors can be activated by the vitamin K-dependent proteins Gas6 and protein S. Protein S is more commonly known as an important cofactor for protein C as well as a direct inhibitor of multiple coagulation factors.

The TAM receptors-Tyro3, Axl, and Mer-comprise a unique family of receptor tyrosine kinases, in that as a group they play no essential role in embryonic development. TAM receptor signaling plays an especially important role in the engulfment and phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs) and membranes in adult tissues.