Apoptotic cell clearance is a vital process by which the body rids itself of unwanted
cells, whether they become unwanted due to age, senescence, tissue remodeling and repair, or even
damage. Efficient clearance of apoptotic cells depends upon the ability of the phagocyte to
recognize and quickly engulf the effete cell before the apoptotic cells can progress to a state of
secondary necrosis, spilling out phlogistic and possibly auto-immunogenic contents into the tissue.
Removal of apoptotic cells in the lung by alveolar macrophages results in the maintenance of
homeostasis, and alveolar macrophage recognition factors control process of clearance.
