Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and immune regulation
1Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
The termination of the apoptotic programme occurs in most cases via recognition and clearance by phagocytes, especially the professional phagocytes, such as macrophages and immature dendritic cells. Engulfed cells do not simply disappear from the midst of living tissues. The fine-defined presentation of yielded self-antigens to T cells is a central event in the induction or the maintenance of the peripheral immune tolerance to self. Conversely, abnormality in this pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. We herein reviewed the relationship between phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and immune regulation, especially the effects of engulfed apoptotic cells on immune tolerance and autoimmune diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Apoptosis


