Fig. 1

Recognition of apoptotic cells by phagocytes. Numerous receptors on the phagocyte membrane interact with “eat me” signals on the apoptotic cell surface either directly or indirectly through bridging molecules. Apoptotic cells can attract phagocytes through the release of soluble molecules, namely “find me” signals. Instead, healthy cells express “don’t eat me” molecules to avoid phagocytosis. BAI1, brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor-1; C1q, complement component 1q; FcR, Fc fragment of immunoglobulin G receptor; Gas6, growth arrest-specific gene 6; ICAM-3, intracellular adhesion molecule-3; LOX-1, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1; LRP, LDL receptor-related protein; PS, phosphatidylserine; MerTK, c-mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase; MFG-E8, milk-fat globule epidermal growth factor 8; PSR, PS receptor; SRA, scavenger receptor class A; TIM-4, transmembrane immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 4; αVβ3, vitronectin receptor; β2GPI, beta 2-glycoprotein 2