Tao Hui, Ma Ruilin, Cui Jianjian, Yang Zejun, He Wencong, Li Yanan, Zhao Yin
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China.
Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China.
Cell Commun Signal. 2025 Jan 27;23(1):49. doi: 10.1186/s12964-025-02055-9.
Efferocytosis is a mechanism by which phagocytes efficiently clear apoptotic cells, averting their secondary necrosis and the subsequent release of potentially immunogenic or cytotoxic substances that can trigger strong immune and inflammatory responses. During efferocytosis, the metabolic pathways of phagocytes are transformed, which, along with the catabolism of apoptotic cargo, can affect their function and inflammatory state. Extensive apoptosis occurs during placental development, and some studies reported the immunomodulatory effects of efferocytosis at the maternal-fetal interface. The dysregulation of efferocytosis is strongly linked to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and recurrent spontaneous abortion. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of efferocytosis and its relationships with metabolism and inflammation. We also highlight the roles of professional and non-professional phagocytes in efferocytosis at the maternal-fetal interface and their impact on pregnancy outcomes and explore relevant regulatory factors. These insights are expected to guide future basic research and clinical strategies for identifying efferocytosis-related molecules as potential predictors or therapeutic targets in obstetric diseases.
胞葬作用是一种机制，通过该机制吞噬细胞能够有效清除凋亡细胞，避免其发生继发性坏死以及随后释放可能引发强烈免疫和炎症反应的潜在免疫原性或细胞毒性物质。在胞葬作用过程中，吞噬细胞的代谢途径会发生转变，这与凋亡物质的分解代谢一起，会影响其功能和炎症状态。胎盘发育过程中会发生广泛的细胞凋亡，一些研究报道了胞葬作用在母胎界面的免疫调节作用。胞葬作用的失调与先兆子痫和复发性自然流产等妊娠并发症密切相关。在这篇综述中，我们讨论了胞葬作用的机制及其与代谢和炎症的关系。我们还强调了专业和非专业吞噬细胞在母胎界面胞葬作用中的作用及其对妊娠结局的影响，并探索相关调节因子。这些见解有望指导未来的基础研究和临床策略，以确定胞葬作用相关分子作为产科疾病的潜在预测指标或治疗靶点。
