A blast from the past: clearance of apoptotic cells regulates immune responses.
Apoptosis, which is a programmed and physiological form of cell death, is known to shape the immune system by regulating populations of effector lymphocytes. However, the binding and ingestion of dying cells by monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells can also influence immune responses markedly by enhancing or suppressing inflammation. Therefore, dead cells, which are a reflection of an organism's immediate past, can control its immunological future.
Savill
John
J
MRC/University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Department of Clinical & Surgical Sciences (Internal Medicine), Royal Infirmary, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9YW, UK. J.Savill@ed.ac.uk
Dransfield
Ian
I
Gregory
Chris
C
Haslett
Chris
C
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology*; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology; D010587:Phagocytosis