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The role of macrophages and dendritic cells in the clearance of apoptotic cells in advanced atherosclerosis
Author(s) -
Thorp Edward,
Subramanian Manikandan,
Tabas Ira
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
european journal of immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.272
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1521-4141
pISSN - 0014-2980
DOI - 10.1002/eji.201141719
Subject(s) - efferocytosis , mertk , phagocytosis , apoptosis , cd11c , biology , macrophage , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , inflammation , cancer research , in vitro , signal transduction , phenotype , biochemistry , gene , receptor tyrosine kinase
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.