Clearance of apoptotic neutrophils and resolution of inflammation
#MMPMID27558346
Greenlee-Wacker MC
Immunol Rev
2016[Sep]; 273
(1
): 357-70
PMID27558346
show ga
The engulfment of apoptotic cells by phagocytes, a process referred to as
efferocytosis, is essential for maintenance of normal tissue homeostasis and a
prerequisite for the resolution of inflammation. Neutrophils are the predominant
circulating white blood cell in humans, and contain an arsenal of toxic
substances that kill and degrade microbes. Neutrophils are short-lived and
spontaneously die by apoptosis. This review will highlight how the engulfment of
apoptotic neutrophils by human phagocytes occurs, how heterogeneity of phagocyte
populations influences efferocytosis signaling, and downstream consequences of
efferocytosis. The efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages promotes
anti-inflammatory signaling, prevents neutrophil lysis, and dampens immune
responses. Given the immunomodulatory properties of efferocytosis, understanding
pathways that regulate and enhance efferocytosis could be harnessed to combat
infection and chronic inflammatory conditions.
free
free
free
