The apoptosis of phagocytes strongly affects course and termination of responses of the innate immune system during infection. This work identified phagocytosis and the intracellular degradation of bacteria as an important factor in the initiation of macrophage apoptosis. In the termination phase of the immune response, granulocyte apoptosis plays a critical role, and the involvement of the Bcl-2 proteins Bim, Puma, and A1 in cell death could be shown. It was further demonstrated that activated immune functions of neutrophils can only be shut off through apoptosis. Accordingly, in a murine model of pneumococcal meningitis, a block of apoptosis led to hyperinflammation and aggravated the course of the disease.
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The apoptosis of phagocytes strongly affects course and termination of responses of the innate immune system during infection. This work identified phagocytosis and the intracellular degradation of bacteria as an important factor in the initiation of macrophage apoptosis. In the termination phase of the immune response, granulocyte apoptosis plays a critical role, and the involvement of the Bcl-2 proteins Bim, Puma, and A1 in cell death could be shown. It was further demonstrated that activated...
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