Work

The role of macrophages and dendritic cells in the clearance of apoptotic cells in advanced atherosclerosis

Year: 2011

Type: review

Abstract: Accumulating evidence supports the notion that defective phagocytic clearance of dying cells, or defective "efferocytosis," is causally linked to the progression of advanced atherosclerosis. In advanced atherosclerotic lesions, defective efferocytosis leads to post-apoptotic necrosis, expansion of plaque necrotic cores, and susceptibility to atherothrombosis. Both macrophages and DC-like efferocytes are juxtaposed near expanding necrotic cores, where they engage apoptotic cells. In this Viewpoint, we discuss how reduced efferocytosis by macrophages and CD11c(HI) DC-like cells may combine to reduce overall plaque stability and therefore promote susceptibility to acute atherothrombosis.

Source: European Journal of Immunology

DOI: 10.1002/eji.201141719

Authors: Edward Thorp, Manikandan Subramanian, Ira Tabas

Institutions: Northwestern University, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University

Language: English

Topic: Phagocytosis and Immune Regulation

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute