title: Modulation of the immune system by dying cells and the phosphatidylserine-ligand annexin A5.
abstract: Apoptotic cell death and the efficient clearance of dying cells are essential mechanisms to control tissue homeostasis and to eliminate potential autoantigens. Numerous alterations on the surfaces of dying cells define a highly characteristic membrane signature and enable an unequivocal distinction from vital cells. This way, phagocytosis is initiated and signalling events induced which minimize inflammatory reactions. Therefore, the use of proteins interfering with the clearance process may open up new vistas to improve immunization strategies and may help to understand the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine 3, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen. Germany.
authors.forename: Udo S
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Gaipl
authors.forename: Luis E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Munoz
authors.forename: Franz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rödel
authors.forename: Friederike
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pausch
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Frey
authors.forename: Bent
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Brachvogel
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: von der Mark
authors.forename: Ernst
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pöschl
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017304:Annexin A5 / Q000276:immunology*; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016923:Cell Death; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D008024:Ligands; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000276:immunology*; D010718:Phosphatidylserines / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D017304:Annexin A5; D001324:Autoantigens; D008024:Ligands; D010718:Phosphatidylserines