Decrease of sialic acid residues as an eat-me signal on the surface of apoptotic lymphocytes.

The silent clearance of apoptotic cells is essential for cellular homeostasis in multicellular organisms, and several mediators of apoptotic cell recognition have been identified. However, the distinct mechanisms involved are not fully deciphered yet. We analyzed alterations of the glycocalyx on the surfaces of apoptotic cells and its impact for engulfment.

Apototic cell-derived membrane vesicles induce CD83 expression on human mdDC.

A characteristic of apo cell death is the shedding of membrane vesicles from the dying cell. This process is also referred to as apo membrane blebbing. These apo particles contain various autoantigens and are effectively engulfed by phagocytes.