Background Innate immune cells play an important role in pathogenesis of spondylarthropathies (SpA) since the increased infiltration of macrophages, especially CD163+, has been proven in synovitis tissue in these patients. Objectives To evaluate the levels of soluble CD163 (sCD163) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in comparison with patients treated for degenerative spinal disease. Methods Levels of sCD163 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in patients with established ankylosing spondylitis according to modified New York criteria (n=55) and were compared with control group - patients treated for degeneratve spinal disease (n=20). Furthermore, we compared the levels of sCD163 in patients with ankylosing spondylitis treated (n=21) and not treated (n=34) with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors. Results The levels of soluble CD163 were significantly increased in group of patients with ankylosing spondylitis as compared with the control group (mean ± SEM 1670,8±91,6 ng/ml vs. 1131,5±80,3 ng/ml, p= 0,0013). No significant difference was found between levels of soluble CD163 in patients treated and not treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (mean ± SEM 1805,2±184,8 ng/ml vs. 1587,8±94,4 ng/ml respectively, p =0,52). Conclusions Our finding shows, that CD163+ cells may play role in pathogenesis of spondylarthorpathies, particularly ankylosing spondylitis, and soluble CD163 may be applicable biomarker in this disorder. Acknowledgements Supported by MH CZ –DRO (UHHK, 00179906) Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.4464