Macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells: a critical assessment

Journal article

As the body continues to grow and age, it becomes essential to maintain a balance between living and dying cells. Macrophages and dendritic cells play a central role in discriminating among viable, apoptotic, and necrotic cells, as selective and efficient phagocytes, without inducing inappropriate inflammation or immune responses. A great deal has been learnt concerning clearance receptors for modified and non-self-ligands on potential targets, mediating their eventual uptake, disposal, and replacement. In this essay, we assess current understanding of the phagocytic recognition of apoptotic cells within their tissue environment; we conclude that efferocytosis constitutes a more complex process than simply removal of corpses, with regulatory interactions between the target and effector cells, which determine the outcome of this homeostatic process.

Authors: Gordon, S; Plüddemann, A

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Frontiers Media
• Journal: Frontiers in Immunology
• Volume: 9
• Article number: 127
• Publication date: 2018-01-30
• Acceptance date: 2018-01-16
• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00127
• EISSN: 1664-3224
• ISSN: 1664-3224
• Pmid: 29441073
• Language: English
• Keywords: phagocytosis; clearance of apoptotic cells; apoptotic cells; apoptosis; macrophages