Attraction of phagocytes by apoptotic cells is mediated by lysophosphatidylcholine.
Apoptotic cells promote the phagocytosis of themselves via the exposure of "eat me" signals. Furthermore, a second, "find me" signal is required to attract phagocytes. In this review the double function of lysophosphatidylcholine for the clearance of apoptotic material as factor leading to attraction of phagocytes as a soluble "find me" signal and opsonisation of apoptotic cells as a membrane bound "eat me" signal is outlined. Lysophosphatidylcholine, exerting this bivalent function, leads to a sufficient clearance of apoptotic cell as a "keep calm" mechanism to prevent activation of the immune system by secondary necrosis.
Mueller
Ruediger B
RB
Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany. ruediger.muellr@gmx.org
Sheriff
Ahmed
A
Gaipl
Udo S
US
Wesselborg
Sebastian
S
Lauber
Kirsten
K
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines / Q000276:immunology*; D009336:Necrosis / Q000276:immunology; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*
D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines