Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
09:18
Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
CD47 and death signaling in the immune system
1Department of Pediatric Research, The National Hospital, Oslo, Norway. rolf.pettersen@klinmed.uio.no
Summary
The study explores CD47, an immune cell surface antigen, as a potential death receptor. It suggests CD47 may trigger a unique apoptosis pathway, impacting immune response and lymphocyte growth.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Receptor-mediated cell death is crucial for immune system regulation and T cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
- Beyond the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, other cell surface antigens are being investigated for their role in immune apoptotic signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the Ig family member CD47 in lymphocyte apoptosis.
- To explore CD47 as a potential death receptor mediating non-classical apoptosis.
- To review current knowledge on immune system death control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on CD47 function in lymphocytes.
- Analysis of data implicating CD47 in growth regulation and apoptotic signaling.
- Synthesis of information on immune cell death pathways.
Main Results:
- CD47, an Ig family member, demonstrates a functional role in lymphocyte growth regulation.
- Evidence suggests CD47 mediates cell death through a non-classical apoptosis pathway.
- CD47 is proposed as a novel death receptor candidate in lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- CD47 warrants further investigation as a key player in immune cell death signaling.
- Understanding CD47's apoptotic function could offer new insights into immune regulation.
- This review highlights the evolving landscape of death receptor research in immunology.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
01:20The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as SH2...
01:11Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death
Cell death is the irreversible loss of cellular structure and function, representing the final stage of severe injury. It plays a key role in both normal physiology and disease.Types of Cell DeathThe two main types are necrosis and apoptosis, though others like necroptosis and pyroptosis also exist.Necrosis:Necrosis is an unregulated form of cell death caused by severe injury such as trauma, toxins, or ischemia. It is characterized by cell swelling, membrane loss, rupture, and leakage of...