Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
3
pubmed:dateCreated
2007-2-19
pubmed:abstractText
Annexins are characterized by the ability to bind phospholipids of membranes in the presence of Ca2+. Annexin A5 represents a typical member of this protein family and is a natural occurring highly specific ligand for phosphatidylserine (PS). The exposure of PS is one major "eat me" signal for phagocytes of apoptotic and necrotic cells. Apoptotic cells are normally cleared via an anti-inflammatory pathway. In contrast, the uptake and removal of necrotic cells normally involves inflammation and an immune response. Interestingly, the lack of endogenous annexin A5 also leads to a reduced inflammatory potential of necrotic cells. Annexin A5 may interfere in vivo with the immunosuppressive effects of apoptotic cells since it preferentially binds PS with high affinity and inhibits apoptotic cell uptake by macrophages. In this review we focus on how defects in the clearance process can lead to chronic autoimmunity. Furthermore, the role of annexin A5 as important adjuvant for apoptotic cell-based tumour vaccines is discussed. The mechanism of how the immunogenicity of apoptotic cells can be restored by blocking their PS-dependent clearance is outlined in detail. Taken together, annexin A5 is an important modulator of the immune response against PS-exposing particles like apoptotic cells, necrotic cells, and certain viruses.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
0929-8673
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
14
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
271-7
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2007
pubmed:articleTitle
The role of annexin A5 in the modulation of the immune response against dying and dead cells.
pubmed:affiliation
Institute for Clinical Immunology and Exp. Medicine I, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Glückstrasse 4a and 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't