How Apoptotic Cells Are Cleared

Apoptotic cells must be cleared quickly so they do not cause inflammation, autoimmune disease, or necrosis. During apoptosis, cells break into apoptotic bodies that are then removed by phagocytosis, the process in which other cells engulf and digest them.

Professional phagocytes, such as macropha...

The contents of an apoptotic cell can leak out and if not quickly removed, lead to local inflammation. Phagocytes, such as macrophages, prevent inflammation by engulfing apoptotic cells and releasing anti-inflammatory cytokines.

In normal cells,  flippase maintains phosphatidylserine in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane.

Dur...