Neutrophil-tumor cell phagocytosis (cannibalism) in human turoms: an update and literature review

• Published in: Experimental Oncology
• Date: 2012
• Main Authors: Caruso, R.A., Fedele, F., Finocchiaro, G., Arena, G., Venuti, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Інститут експериментальної патології, онкології і радіобіології ім. Р.Є. Кавецького НАН України 2012
• Subjects: Reviews
• Online Access: https://nasplib.isofts.kiev.ua/handle/123456789/139087
• Journal Title: Digital Library of Periodicals of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
• Cite this: Neutrophil-tumor cell phagocytosis (cannibalism) in human turoms: an update and literature review / R.A. Caruso, F. Fedele, G. Finocchiaro, G. Arena, A. Venuti // Experimental Oncology. — 2012. — Т. 34, № 3. — С. 306-311. — Бібліогр.: 52 назв. — англ.

The recognition and removal of apoptotic cells by tissue macrophages and nonprofessional phagocytes, in a process called efferocytosis, is critical for development, tissue homeostasis and resolution of inflammation. Apoptotic bodies arising in tumor tissue are ingested by viable neoplastic cells and by resident macrophages. We described tumor cell phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils in human gastric carcinomas. This phenomenon is analogous to neutrophil efferocytosis performed by macrophages and by nonprofessional phagocytes during inflammatory reaction but is distinct by other types of cell-in-cell phenomena including emperipolesis and entosis both cytologically and biologically. In this review, we discussed them in their ultrastructural morphology, physiolo­gical roles, and clinicopathologic implications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled “Apoptosis: Four Decades Later”.