Clearance of apoptotic neutrophils and resolution of inflammation

MC Greenlee‐Wacker - Immunological reviews, 2016 - Wiley Online Library
Immunological reviews, 2016Wiley Online Library
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 …
Summary
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.
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