Apoptotic cell (for immune modulation)

Apoptotic cell infusion refers to the administration of early-stage apoptotic cells as an immunomodulatory therapy for the purpose of inducing immune tolerance and suppressing pathological immune responses. The process relies on the physiological mechanisms by which apoptotic cells, when phagocytosed by macrophages and dendritic cells, promote production of anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic mediators (such as TGF-β and IL-10), repress expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and costimulatory molecules, and induce regulatory T cells. These combined actions can reprogram immune responses toward tolerance, limit damaging tissue inflammation, and may benefit conditions such as graft rejection, GVHD, autoimmunity, and cytokine storm. Apoptotic cell infusion is not a single molecular target, but a cell-based therapy leveraging endogenous pathways for immune regulation. Its modulatory effects are mediated through multiple cell-surface molecules (e.g., phosphatidylserine) and associated receptor families (such as TAM receptors), and its action is context-dependent.

Other names

Apoptotic cell-based therapyapoptotic cell infusionapoptotic cell therapy

Induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β, IL-10) Promote phagocytosis by macrophages/dendritic cells (efferocytosis) Reprogramming macrophages and dendritic cells toward tolerogenic/anti-inflammatory phenotypes Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) Induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) Suppression of MHC-II/costimulatory molecule expression on antigen-presenting cells Promotion of immune tolerance