Attraction of phagocytes by apoptotic cells is mediated by lysophosphatidylcholine

Abstract

Apoptotic cells promote the phagocytosis of themselves via the exposure of “eat me” signals. Furthermore, a second, “find me” signal is required to attract phagocytes. In this review the double function of lysophosphatidylcholine for the clearence of apoptotic material as factor leading to attraction of phagocytes as a soluble “find me” signal and opsonisation of apoptotic cells as a membrane bound “eat me” signal is outlined. Lysophosphatidylcholine, exerting this bivalent function, leads to a sufficient clearance of apoptotic cell as a “keep calm” mechanism to prevent activation of the immune system by secondary necrosis.