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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

Clearance of apoptotic cells: implications in health and disease

Michael R Elliott1, Kodi S Ravichandran

  • 1Center for Cell Clearance and the Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|June 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Efficient removal of dying cells via phagocytosis is vital for immune tolerance and tissue health. Molecular defects in this process contribute to diseases, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells is a conserved biological process essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and immune tolerance.
  • Defects in the clearance of dying cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular signaling pathways regulating apoptotic cell phagocytosis.
  • To elucidate the link between alterations in engulfment pathways and disease states.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies based on understanding apoptotic cell clearance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advances in phagocytosis research.
  • Analysis of studies in mice and humans.
  • Integration of data on molecular signaling pathways and disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Advances in defining molecular pathways governing phagocytosis have enhanced understanding of this process.
  • Prompt removal of apoptotic cells is critical for immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis.
  • Failed or defective clearance is a significant factor in disease development.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of apoptotic cell clearance is crucial for both healthy and diseased states.
  • Identifying specific molecular alterations in engulfment pathways can illuminate disease links.
  • Targeting apoptotic cell clearance pathways may offer novel therapeutic avenues for various diseases.

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