Interaction of human peripheral blood monocytes with apoptotic polymorphonuclear cells

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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
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

Tomasz P Mikołajczyk1, Joanna E Skrzeczyńska-Moncznik, Mirosław A Zarebski

  • 1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa, Cracow, Poland. to.mik@interia.pl

Immunology
|August 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Peripheral blood monocytes phagocytose apoptotic neutrophils, a process mediated by CD36. This phagocytosis involves specific monocyte subsets and results in reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Macrophages phagocytose apoptotic neutrophils, but monocyte function is less understood.
  • Previous studies suggested monocytes require differentiation into macrophages to phagocytose neutrophils.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the phagocytic capacity of peripheral blood monocytes for apoptotic neutrophils.
  • To identify the specific monocyte subsets and molecular mechanisms involved in phagocytosis.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were employed.
  • Analysis focused on CD14 and CD16 monocyte subsets.
  • Investigated the role of CD36 and phosphatidyl-L-serine.

Main Results:

  • Peripheral blood monocytes phagocytose apoptotic, but not live, granulocytes.
  • CD16(+) monocyte subsets (CD14(high)CD16(+) and CD14(dim)CD16(+)) are primarily involved.
  • Phagocytosis requires CD36 and is independent of the CD14 mechanism for neutrophils.
  • Uptake of apoptotic Jurkat T cells is CD14 and CD36 dependent.
  • Phosphatidyl-L-serine liposomes reduced binding of apoptotic neutrophils.
  • Lipopolysaccharide-activated monocytes produced more IL-10 and less TNF-α and IL-1β upon contact with apoptotic cells.

Conclusions:

  • Monocytes directly phagocytose apoptotic neutrophils via CD36-dependent pathways.
  • Specific CD16(+) monocyte subsets mediate this clearance.
  • Monocyte interaction with apoptotic cells modulates cytokine production, favoring an anti-inflammatory response.

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