Efferocytosis Signaling in the Regulation of Macrophage Inflammatory Responses.
Since the pioneering work of Elie Metchnikoff and the discovery of cellular immunity, the phagocytic clearance of cellular debris has been considered an integral component of resolving inflammation and restoring function of damaged and infected tissues. We now know that the phagocytic clearance of dying cells (efferocytosis), particularly by macrophages and other immune phagocytes, has profound consequences on innate and adaptive immune responses in inflamed tissues. These immunomodulatory effects result from an array of molecular signaling events between macrophages, dying cells, and other tissue-resident cells. In recent years, many of these molecular pathways have been identified and studied in the context of tissue inflammation, helping us better understand the relationship between efferocytosis and inflammation. We review specific types of efferocytosis-related signals that can impact macrophage immune responses and discuss their relevance to inflammation-related diseases.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 michael_elliott@urmc.rochester.edu.
Michael R
MR
Elliott
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642.
Kyle M
KM
Koster
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642.
Patrick S
PS
Murphy
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D010587:Phagocytosis; D015398:Signal Transduction