Impaired phagocytosis of apoptotic cell material by monocyte-derived macrophages from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Noninflammatory engulfment phagocytosis of apoptotic cells is decreased in SLE patients. Persistently circulating apoptotic waste may encounter inflammatory removal pathways and serve as immunogen for the induction of autoreactive lymphocytes and as antigen for immune complex formation.