The phagocytosis of apoptotic cells.

Apoptosis is a genetically controlled event taking care of cell turnover in healthy adult tissues and of focal elimination of cells during embryonic development. The initial phase of the program leads to corpse generation and is followed by the equally crucial removal by phagocytes. In fact, engulfment is not mere clearing of cell remnants, but rather elicits phagocyte responses able to modulate inflammation and immune reactions. The combined investigation of nematode and mammalian models has allowed, in recent years, a fast progression in the field; however, effort is still required to dissect thoroughly the molecular rules orchestrating engulfment. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.