Efferocytosis is restricted by axon guidance molecule EphA4 via ERK/Stat6/Mertk signaling following brain injury.

Background: Efferocytosis is a process that removes apoptotic cells and cellular debris. Clearance of these cells alleviates neuroinflammation and prevents the release of inflammatory molecules and promotes the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines to help maintain tissue homeostasis. The underlying mechanisms by which this occurs in the brain after injury remains ill-defined.