Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Quantification of Efferocytosis by Single-cell Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: August 18, 2018
Macrophage efferocytosis in health and disease
Shokufeh Razi1, Javad Yaghmoorian Khojini2, Fateme Kargarijam3
1Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Creating cellular homeostasis within a defined tissue typically relates to the processes of apoptosis and efferocytosis. A great example here is cell debris that must be removed to prevent unwanted inflammatory responses and then reduce autoimmunity. In view of that, defective efferocytosis is often assumed to be responsible for the improper clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs). This predicament triggers off inflammation and even results in disease development. Any disruption of phagocytic receptors, molecules as bridging groups, or signaling routes can also inhibit macrophage efferocytosis and lead to the impaired clearance of the apoptotic body. In this line, macrophages as professional phagocytic cells take the lead in the efferocytosis process. As well, insufficiency in macrophage efferocytosis facilitates the spread of a wide variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, kidney problems, types of cancer, asthma, and the like. Establishing the functions of macrophages in this respect can be thus useful in the treatment of many diseases. Against this background, this review aimed to recapitulate the knowledge about the mechanisms related to macrophage polarization under physiological or pathological conditions, and shed light on its interaction with efferocytosis.
Insights
Cellular homeostasis relies on efferocytosis to clear apoptotic cells and prevent inflammation. This review explores how macrophage polarization impacts efferocytosis, crucial for preventing diseases linked to impaired cell clearance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cellular homeostasis is maintained by clearing apoptotic cells (ACs) via efferocytosis to prevent inflammation and autoimmunity.
- Defective efferocytosis, often due to issues with phagocytic receptors or signaling pathways, leads to AC accumulation and disease.
- Macrophages are key phagocytic cells, and their efferocytosis function is critical for health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of macrophage polarization under physiological and pathological conditions.
- To elucidate the interaction between macrophage polarization and efferocytosis.
- To highlight the role of macrophage efferocytosis in disease prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on macrophage polarization and efferocytosis.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying defective efferocytosis.
- Synthesis of information on the link between macrophage function and disease.
Main Results:
- Macrophage polarization significantly influences efferocytosis efficiency.
- Impaired efferocytosis by macrophages contributes to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, kidney diseases, cancer, and asthma.
- Understanding macrophage polarization is vital for developing therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage polarization is a critical regulator of efferocytosis.
- Dysfunctional efferocytosis by macrophages underlies numerous pathological conditions.
- Targeting macrophage polarization offers potential therapeutic avenues for diseases associated with impaired cell clearance.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized...
00:41Phagocytosis
01:36Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...