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Updated: Jun 24, 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
The liaison between apoptotic cells and macrophages--the end programs the beginning
Andreas Weigert1, Carla Jennewein, Bernhard Brüne
1Institute of Biochemistry I/ZAFES, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
Biological Chemistry
|April 2, 2009
Summary
Efficient clearance of dying cells by macrophages is vital for tissue health and resolving inflammation. Dysfunctional clearance contributes to diseases, including cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Apoptotic cell death and debris clearance by phagocytes are crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis.
- Failure in apoptotic cell removal contributes to the development of various human diseases.
- Macrophages act as professional 'captors' of apoptotic cells, influencing the immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the interaction between apoptotic cells and macrophages.
- To emphasize the immunological outcomes of apoptotic cell clearance.
- To discuss the role of this interaction in inflammation and disease, including cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on apoptotic cell clearance and macrophage interactions.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in macrophage polarization by apoptotic cells.
- Examination of disease contexts where this process is implicated.
Main Results:
- Apoptotic cell removal actively signals to polarize macrophages, promoting inflammation resolution.
- Macrophage polarization by apoptotic cells is essential for immune homeostasis.
- Aberrant apoptotic cell-macrophage interactions can promote inflammatory diseases and tumor development.
Conclusions:
- Effective apoptotic cell clearance by macrophages is fundamental for tissue homeostasis and immune regulation.
- The interaction actively shapes macrophage function, impacting inflammation resolution.
- Dysregulation of this process has significant implications for human diseases, particularly in oncology and inflammatory conditions.
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