Oxidative stress inhibits the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells that have externalized phosphatidylserine.
The efficient phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages reduces the potential for an inflammatory response by ensuring that the dying cells are cleared before their intracellular contents are released. Early apoptotic cells are targeted for phagocytosis through the translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. In this report, we show that the oxidant H(2)O(2) inhibits phagocytosis of apoptotic cells even though the cells express functional PS on their surface. Thus, B lymphoma cells induced to undergo apoptosis by the chemotherapy drug etoposide are efficiently phagocytosed by macrophages in a process that is mediated by PS (inhibitable by PS liposomes). Exposure of the apoptotic cells to H(2)O(2) inhibits phagocytosis even though the cells still express functional PS on their surface. In addition, Jurkat cells and thymocytes induced to undergo apoptosis by H(2)O(2) alone are poorly phagocytosed. Inhibition of phagocytosis by H(2)O(2) cannot be attributed to oxidative inactivation or redistribution of PS on the cell surface. The results indicate that PS externalization is necessary but is not sufficient to target apoptotic cells for phagocytosis. Another phagocytosis recognition factor must therefore exist to facilitate uptake of apoptotic cells, and this factor is sensitive to modification by H(2)O(2).
Anderson
H A
HA
Laboratory of Immunology, Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. andersonh@cber.fda.gov
Englert
R
R
Gursel
I
I
Shacter
E
E
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005047:Etoposide / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D019169:Jurkat Cells; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000502:physiology*; D010718:Phosphatidylserines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010718:Phosphatidylserines; D005047:Etoposide; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide