Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
Regulation of interleukin-10 gene expression in macrophages engulfing apoptotic cells
Yan Zhang1, Ha-Jeong Kim, Soichiro Yamamoto
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065-4805, USA.
Abstract:
Apoptosis and the rapid clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs) by professional or nonprofessional phagocytes are normal and coordinated processes that ensure controlled cell growth and stress response with nonpathological outcomes. Uptake of ACs by phagocytes is thought to suppress autoimmune responses through the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines. The production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by phagocytes is highly regulated as part of an intrinsic mechanism to prevent inflammatory and autoimmune reactions in a physiological state. Production of IL-10 by phagocytes during clearance of ACs is critical to ensuring cellular homeostasis and suppression of autoimmunity. The molecular mechanism whereby IL-10 production is induced by ACs is only beginning to be understood. This review summarizes our recent work in this aspect of an essential physiological and homeostatic process.
Related Concept Videos
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
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...
Apoptosis

