Regulation of efferocytosis as a novel cancer therapy

Abstract Efferocytosis is a physiologic phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells, which modulates inflammatory responses and the immune environment and subsequently facilitates immune escape of cancer cells, thus promoting tumor development and progression. Efferocytosis is an equilibrium formed by p...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yunxiang Zhou, Yihan Yao, Yongchuan Deng, Anwen Shao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2020-05-01
Series:Cell Communication and Signaling
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12964-020-00542-9
Description
Summary:Abstract Efferocytosis is a physiologic phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells, which modulates inflammatory responses and the immune environment and subsequently facilitates immune escape of cancer cells, thus promoting tumor development and progression. Efferocytosis is an equilibrium formed by perfect coordination among “find-me”, “eat-me” and “don’t-eat-me” signals. These signaling pathways not only affect the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of tumor cells but also regulate adaptive responses and drug resistance to antitumor therapies. Therefore, efferocytosis-related molecules and pathways are potential targets for antitumor therapy. Besides, supplementing conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other immunotherapies with efferocytosis-targeted therapy could enhance the therapeutic efficacy, reduce off-target toxicity, and promote patient outcome. Video abstract
ISSN:1478-811X