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Updated: May 28, 2026

Time-lapse 3D Imaging of Phagocytosis by Mouse Macrophages
Published on: October 19, 2018
Phagocytosis: coupling of mitochondrial uncoupling and engulfment
Grazia M Cereghetti1, Luca Scorrano
1Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva Medical School, 1 Rue M. Servet, 1206 Genève, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytes avoids triggering an inflammatory response. A new study reveals that phagocytes dissipate their mitochondrial proton electrochemical gradient to allow for the ingestion of more apoptotic corpses. Mitochondria are therefore involved in all aspects of apoptosis, from its activation through to the phagocytosis of dead cells.
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