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Nature Medicine 11, 26 - 27 (2005)
doi:10.1038/nm0105-26

Autoimmunity and apoptosis: refusing to go quietly

Donna L Bratton1 & Peter M Henson1

  1. The authors are in the Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA. e-mail: brattond@njc.org or e-mail: hensonp@njc.org


Apoptosis results in the oxidation of membrane lipids on the dying cell. Newly identified oxidized lipids play a dual role: they contribute to the recognition and phagocytosis of dying cells, but may also spur antibody production and inflammation.


After a cell undergoes apoptosis, it is recognized and engulfed by neighboring tissue cells or professional phagocytes. This removal is highly efficient and normally anti-inflammatory.

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