Genetic, biochemical and imaging ap

Genetic, biochemical and imaging approaches haverevealed that efferocytosis is morphologically andmechanistically distinct from classic forms of phagocytosis7. Clearance of ACs requires phagocyte expression of receptors that recognize AC-associated ligands,reorganization of the phagocyte cytoskeleton to engulfcell-bound ACs and induction of phagosome–lysosomefusion to degrade AC cargo8 (Box 1). In response toAC ingestion, macrophages restrain the production ofproinflammatory cytokines and enhance the productionof molecules that dampen inflammation and mediateresolution and repair9,10 (Box 2), processes which fail insettings of defective efferocytosis.