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Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

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.
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Phagocytes
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2025

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

CD11c-Expressing Microglia Are Transient, Driven by Interactions With Apoptotic Cells.

Nathaniel Ghena^1,2, Sarah R Anderson¹, Jacqueline M Roberts¹

¹Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

|January 20, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

CD11c+ microglia are a temporary state in the developing retina, not a distinct subset. These cells aid in clearing apoptotic neurons but are not essential for phagocytosis.

Keywords:

CD11c development microglia neuronal apoptosis phagocytosis

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Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Developmental Biology

Background:

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, have diverse roles in development.
Microglia exhibit transcriptional heterogeneity, indicating specialized functions.
The dynamic nature and regulation of microglial states remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the regulation and function of CD11c+ microglia in the developing retina.
To determine if CD11c+ microglia represent a specialized subset or a transient state.

Main Methods:

Analysis of CD11c expression in postnatal retinal microglia.
Genetic fate mapping to track microglial state transitions.
Selective ablation of CD11c+ microglia to assess functional impact.

Main Results:

CD11c+ microglia correlate with waves of neuronal apoptosis.
These microglia show increased lysosomal content and participate in apoptotic cell clearance.
CD11c expression is partly regulated by the TAM receptor AXL.
CD11c+ microglia are not uniquely essential for phagocytic clearance.

Conclusions:

CD11c+ microglia represent a transient functional state induced by developmental apoptosis.
This state is dynamic, with microglia returning to homeostasis.
CD11c expression is a marker of a temporary response to apoptotic debris, not a specialized phagocytic subset.