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Related Concept Videos

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

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. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

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...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
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...
Autophagic Cell Death01:18

Autophagic Cell Death

Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages
06:47

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages

Published on: May 24, 2019

B cell encounters with apoptotic cells.

Isabelle Bekeredjian-Ding1

  • 1Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany. isabelle.bekeredjian-ding@ukb.uni-bonn.de

Autoimmunity
|December 11, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Improperly cleared apoptotic cells trigger B cell responses, leading to autoantibody formation in autoimmune diseases. Nucleic acids in these cells act as adjuvants, influencing immune reactions and B cell behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Autoimmunity

Background:

  • Autoimmune diseases are linked to the inefficient clearance of apoptotic cells.
  • Nucleic acids from apoptotic cells and their microparticles possess adjuvant properties, boosting immune responses.
  • B cell responses to apoptotic material can be either immunosuppressive or lead to autoantibody production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on B cell responses to apoptotic cells and microparticles.
  • To explore the role of nucleic acids in modulating B cell immunity during apoptosis.
  • To differentiate between physiological and pathological B cell reactions to apoptotic debris.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on B cell responses, apoptosis, and autoimmunity.

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

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Quantification of Efferocytosis by Single-cell Fluorescence Microscopy
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Quantification of Efferocytosis by Single-cell Fluorescence Microscopy

Published on: August 18, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 16, 2026

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages
06:47

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages

Published on: May 24, 2019

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

Quantification of Efferocytosis by Single-cell Fluorescence Microscopy
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Quantification of Efferocytosis by Single-cell Fluorescence Microscopy

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  • Analysis of the mechanisms involving nucleic acids and Toll-like receptors (TLRs).
  • Examination of IL-10 release and autoantibody formation in B cells.

    • Main Results:

    • Failure in apoptotic cell clearance promotes autoantibody generation against nuclear antigens.
    • Nucleic acids act as immune adjuvants, driving B cell activation.
    • Toll-like receptors are crucial mediators in both physiological and pathological B cell responses to apoptotic material.

    Conclusions:

    • Nucleic acids significantly impact B cell responses in the context of apoptosis.
    • Dysregulated B cell responses to apoptotic cells contribute to autoimmune pathology.
    • Understanding these mechanisms is key to developing therapies for autoimmune diseases.