Ligand-dependent kinase activity of MERTK drives efferocytosis in human iPSC-derived macrophages.

Removal of apoptotic cells by phagocytes (also called efferocytosis) is a crucial process for tissue homeostasis. Professional phagocytes express a plethora of surface receptors enabling them to sense and engulf apoptotic cells, thus avoiding persistence of dead cells and cellular debris and their consequent effects. Dysregulation of efferocytosis is thought to lead to secondary necrosis and associated inflammation and immune activation.

[Acute alveolitis in ulcerative colitis: extra-intestinal organ complication or drug side effect].

The histories of three possible cases of 5-ASA-induced toxic interstitial lung disease are presented. In addition diagnostical methods and procedures for the differential-diagnosis are discussed and as diagnostical program for the identification of remedy-induced toxic lung-damages is explained.