The Dynamics of Apoptotic Cell Clearance

Dev Cell. 2016 Jul 25;38(2):147-60. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.06.029.

Abstract

The phagocytic clearance of dying cells in a tissue is a highly orchestrated series of intercellular events coordinated by a complex signaling network. Recent data from genetic, biochemical, and live-imaging approaches have greatly enhanced our understanding of the dynamics of cell clearance and how the process is orchestrated at the cellular and tissue levels. We discuss how networks regulating apoptotic cell clearance are integrated to enable a rapid, efficient, and high-capacity clearance system within tissues.

Keywords: apoptosis; chemotaxis; efferocytosis; imaging; immunity; phagocytosis; signal transduction.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis*
  • Humans
  • Phagocytosis / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction