title: Mediators involved in the immunomodulatory effects of apoptotic cells.
abstract: Immunomodulatory properties are attributed to apoptotic cells. These properties have been used to modulate allogeneic immune responses in experimental transplantation settings. In independent studies, apoptotic cell infusion has been shown to favor hematopoietic cell engraftment, to increase heart graft survival, and to delay the lethal onset of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The goal of this review was to discuss how apoptotic cell infusion interferes with graft rejection or host rejection (i.e., GVHD) and to focus on the potential mediators or "perpetuators" involved in apoptotic cell-induced immunomodulation. Particular emphasis on apoptotic cell phagocytosis, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta secretion, and regulatory T cell induction was performed. Stimulating "naturally" immunosuppressive molecules (i.e., TGF-beta) or immunomodulatory cells ("alternatively-activated" macrophages, certain dendritic cell subsets, or regulatory T cells) in a physiological manner by using apoptotic cell infusion can be a promising way to induce tolerance.
authors.affiliation: INSERM U645, University of Besançon, Etablissement Français du Sang Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 1 boulevard A. Fleming, F-25020 Besançon, France. philippe.saas@efs.sante.fr
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saas
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bonnefoy
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kury-Paulin
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kleinclauss
authors.forename: Sylvain
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Perruche
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology*; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta