Cell 'canibalism' educates our defenses
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - 11:21
in Health & Medicine
Phagocytosis is a biological mechanism whereby specialized cells ingest and degrade old, dead, or damaged cells to prevent tissue damage due to their accumulation. But phagocytosis appears to also have an educational role. When macrophages ingest these expired cells, they acquire protective properties, scientists report.