autologous apoptotic cells

Autologous apoptotic cells refer to a form of cell therapy in which a patient's own (autologous) cells are induced to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) and then administered back to the patient. This approach is being investigated primarily as an immunomodulatory or tolerogenic therapy. The mechanism involves the infusion of these dying or dead self-cells, which are recognized and engulfed by antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells. This process can induce immune tolerance by promoting regulatory T-cell responses and suppressing pro-inflammatory pathways, notably through downregulation of NF-κB activation in dendritic cells[7]. In cancer settings, this strategy may involve pulsing dendritic cells with tumor-derived autologous apoptotic bodies to stimulate anti-tumor immunity[6][8][9]. In transplantation or autoimmune disease contexts (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), administration of autologous apoptotic cells aims to reduce pathological immune activation and promote tolerance[7][10].

Other names

autologous apoptotic cell therapyECP-treated autologous cellsapoptotic leukemic corpse-pulsed dendritic cell vaccine