Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Development of Stem Cell-derived Antigen-specific Regulatory T Cells Against Autoimmunity
Published on: November 8, 2016
MFG-E8-dependent clearance of apoptotic cells, and autoimmunity caused by its failure
Rikinari Hanayama1, Kay Miyasaka, Michio Nakaya
1Department of Genetics, Osaka University Medical School, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
Apoptotic cells are swiftly engulfed by macrophages and immature dendritic cells. Inefficient clearance of apoptotic cells has been implicated as a cause of inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFG-E8) and developmental endothelial locus-1 (Del-1) are glycoproteins secreted from macrophages that pass apoptotic cells to phagocytes. MFG-E8, but not Del-1, is expressed in the tingible-body macrophages at the germinal centers of the second lymphoid tissues. MFG-E8-deficient mice carry many unengulfed apoptotic cells in the germinal centers of the spleen, and develop a lupus-like autoimmune disease. In this review, we discuss the importance of the MFG-E8-mediated clearance of apoptotic cells in the prevention of autoimmune diseases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

