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Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

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Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes.
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The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

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

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

Published on: December 27, 2016

Immune regulation by apoptotic cell clearance.

Masato Tanaka¹, Kenichi Asano, Chun-Hong Qiu

¹Laboratory for Innate Cellular Immunity, RIKEN Research Center for Allergy and Immunology, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. mtanaka@rcai.riken.jp

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

|October 21, 2010

Summary

Phagocytes clear apoptotic cells to maintain self-tolerance. This process, particularly phosphatidylserine (PS)-dependent engulfment by splenic marginal zone dendritic cells, induces antigen-specific immunosuppression and tolerance.

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Last Updated: Jun 7, 2026

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

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Published on: December 27, 2016

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages

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Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity

Published on: August 12, 2018

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cell Biology

Background:

Phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells is crucial for maintaining self-tolerance.
Intravenous injection of apoptotic cells can induce antigen-specific immunosuppression.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the mechanism of tolerance induction by apoptotic cells.
To identify the cellular players involved in apoptotic cell clearance and subsequent tolerance induction.

Main Methods:

Induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice.
Intravenous injection of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-expressing apoptotic cells.
Masking of phosphatidylserine (PS) on apoptotic cells.
Analysis of splenic marginal zone (MZ) cell populations, including macrophages and dendritic cells.

Main Results:

MOG-expressing apoptotic cells induced MOG-specific T cell tolerance and suppressed EAE development.
Masking PS on apoptotic cells largely eliminated these suppressive effects, highlighting PS-dependent engulfment.
Splenic MZ macrophages and CD8α(+), CD103(+) dendritic cells were identified as key phagocytes.
MZ dendritic cells selectively phagocytosed blood-borne dead cells and presented antigens to induce tolerance.

Conclusions:

PS-dependent phagocytosis of apoptotic cells is essential for inducing antigen-specific immunosuppression and tolerance.
Splenic marginal zone CD8α(+), CD103(+) dendritic cells play a critical role in presenting dead cell-associated antigens to induce tolerance.