Immunomodulation of wound healing leading to efferocytosis.

Effectively eliminating apoptotic cells is precisely controlled by a variety of signaling molecules and a phagocytic effect known as efferocytosis. Abnormalities in efferocytosis may bring about the development of chronic conditions, including angiocardiopathy, chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. During wound healing, failure of efferocytosis leads to the collection of apoptosis, the release of necrotic material and chronic wounds that are difficult to heal. In addition to the traditional phagocytes-macrophages, other important cell species including dendritic cells, neutrophils, vascular endothelial cells, fibroblasts and keratinocytes contribute to wounding healing. This review summarizes how efferocytosis-mediated immunomodulation plays a repair-promoting role in wound healing, providing new insights for patients suffering from various cutaneous wounds.