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Related Concept Videos

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

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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An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
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Eukaryotic cells use different mechanisms to eliminate toxic waste obsolete and worn-out substances. Lysosomes play a pivotal role in this, and hence, these substances are carried to the lysosome from other parts of the cell and extracellular space through different pathways. The most elaborately studied pathways to the lysosome are the endocytic pathways.
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Related Experiment Video

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Quantification of Efferocytosis by Single-cell Fluorescence Microscopy
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Targeting Efferocytosis in Inflammaging.

Ivan K H Poon1, Kodi S Ravichandran2,3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, and Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia;

Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology
|August 16, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Efficient efferocytosis clears apoptotic cells, maintaining tissue health. Impaired efferocytosis, or the inability of phagocytes to clear cellular debris, drives chronic inflammation and aging-related diseases.

Keywords:
agingapoptosiscell clearancecell deathefferocytosisinflammaging

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Efferocytosis, the clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytes, is crucial for tissue homeostasis and inflammation resolution.
  • Defective efferocytosis leads to the accumulation of dying cells, releasing inflammatory factors and contributing to sterile inflammation.
  • This impaired clearance is implicated in inflammaging, the chronic low-grade inflammation associated with aging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms underlying the detection, uptake, and degradation phases of efferocytosis.
  • To discuss how alterations in phagocytes and apoptotic cells contribute to efferocytosis defects.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting efferocytosis to combat aging-associated inflammatory diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular mechanisms in efferocytosis.
  • Analysis of the role of phagocyte and apoptotic cell alterations in efferocytosis dysfunction.
  • Exploration of potential therapeutic targets within the efferocytic pathway.

Main Results:

  • Detailed molecular pathways for apoptotic cell detection, engulfment, and degradation by phagocytes were elucidated.
  • Specific defects in phagocytes and dying cells contributing to impaired efferocytosis were identified.
  • The link between efferocytosis dysfunction and inflammaging was reinforced.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the molecular basis of efferocytosis is key to addressing its failures.
  • Targeting the efferocytic machinery offers promising avenues for treating age-related inflammatory conditions.
  • Harnessing efferocytosis could mitigate the impact of inflammaging on healthspan.