Although apoptotic cell death is widespread, dying cells are rarely seen in situ because of
their rapid clearance by neighbouring phagocytes. Phagocytic recognition of apoptotic cells
is less well understood than the death programme itself, but an increasing number of recent
studies are highlighting its importance. This review discusses the nature of the receptors that
have been implicated in apoptotic cell phagocytosis, the mechanisms of uptake and the
immunological consequences of apoptotic cell ingestion.