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Published on: August 18, 2018
Metabolic connections during apoptotic cell engulfment
Claudia Z Han1, Kodi S Ravichandran
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, Carter Immunology Center and the Center for Cell Clearance, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Cell
|December 27, 2011
Summary
Phagocytes manage the metabolic load from engulfing dead cells by processing the ingested cell's contents. This review explores how cellular metabolism and digestion impact this crucial engulfment process.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Billions of cells undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) daily.
- Phagocytes engulf these apoptotic cells for clearance.
- Engulfment effectively doubles a phagocyte's cellular contents, posing metabolic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review phagocyte cellular metabolism during apoptotic cell clearance.
- To discuss the digestion of ingested apoptotic cells.
- To examine the impact of these metabolic processes on the engulfment function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on phagocyte metabolism.
- Analysis of cellular processes involved in apoptotic cell digestion.
- Synthesis of findings on the relationship between metabolism and engulfment.
Main Results:
- Phagocytes possess specialized metabolic pathways to handle ingested material.
- Efficient digestion of apoptotic cells is critical for maintaining phagocyte homeostasis.
- Metabolic status influences the phagocyte's capacity for further engulfment.
Conclusions:
- Phagocyte metabolism is central to managing the burden of apoptotic cell clearance.
- Understanding these metabolic dynamics is key to comprehending immune cell function.
- Metabolic adaptations enable phagocytes to perform their essential role in tissue homeostasis.
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Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
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