Figure 1
The following processes were involved in apoptotic cell engulfment: (i) apoptotic cells are capable of releasing several different ‘find-me’ signals to attract phagocytes toward dying cells. (ii) Phagocytes express an array of different receptors that recognize ligands on apoptotic cells. This can occur through direct binding to the dying cell or through soluble intermediates called bridging molecules. (iii) Engulfment receptors that are bound to PtdSer can initiate intracellular signaling leading to Rac1 activation and cytoskeletal rearrangement. The specific mechanism by which signaling is mediated downstream of each receptor is not fully defined. (iv) Once internalized, phagosome maturation to the phagolysosome through recruitment of Vps34/Dynamin1, as well as Rab5, Mon1/Ccz1, and Rab7 proteins leads to eventual corpse degradation
