We are what we eat: macrophages and efferocytosis

Abstract

Liebold et al. recently revealed how the identity of dying cells drives distinct changes to the macrophages which engulf and clear them, a process known as efferocytosis. During infection with the helminth Schistosoma mansoni, liver macrophages recapitulate these phenotypes, mediated by Axl/MerTK receptors and regulating egg burdens.

Keywords: efferocytosis; helminth; macrophage; schistosomiasis.