Rethinking Phagocytes: Clues from the Retina and Testes. Issue 4 (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Penberthy, Kristen K.; Lysiak, Jeffrey J.; Ravichandran, Kodi S.
• Is Part Of: Trends in cell biology. Volume 28:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 317
• Page End: 327
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Cytology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Research -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.01.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8924

Abstract

Abstract : Specialized phagocytes are a newly appreciated classification of phagocyte that currently encompasses Sertoli cells (SCs) of the testes and the retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) of the retina. While these cells support very different tissues, they have a striking degree of similarity both as phagocytes and in ways that go beyond cell clearance. The clearance of apoptotic germ cells, cell debris, and used photoreceptor outer segments are critical functions of these cells, and the unique nature of their clearance events make specialized phagocytes uniquely suited for studying the larger implications of cell clearance in vivo . The shared functions of specialized phagocytes could provide novel insights into how phagocytosis impacts tissue homeostasis and immune modulation. In this review, we examine the remarkable similarities between SCs and RPE as specialized phagocytes and the physiological effects of cell clearance within a tissue. Highlights: SCs and RPE are specialized phagocytes, a more recently appreciated category of phagocytes. SCs and the RPE share a previously underappreciated level of functional similarity with shared functions that include phagocytosis, immune modulation, vitamin A metabolism, glucose transport, and a physical blood barrier. The phagocytic properties of SCs and RPE make them uniquely suited to the study of phagocytosis in vivo, and the effect of phagocytosis on the phagocyte and the local tissue environment. The well-studied functions of specialized phagocytes provide clues to new processes that may be influenced or regulated by the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and cellular debris.