Abstract

Efferocytosis as an apoptotic cell (AC) clearance mechanism facilitates the removal of dangerous and damaged cells, an important process in regulating normal homeostasis. Failure to correctly execute apoptosis and efferocytosisis associated with atherosclerosis, as well as chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Effective and timely efferocytosis involves various molecules that act as "Find-Me" signals or as alarmins to quickly allow identification by phagocytic cells. In recent years, most of these molecules have been investigated, but less attention has been paid to the nuclear molecules associated with efferocytosis of ACs and necrotic cells (NCs). These molecules have several functions including acting as alarmin signals for faster recognition of ACs, facilitating the cleanup of ACs and for maintaining self-tolerance. The same group of molecules is also implicated in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Previous studies have shown that these molecules also serve as targets for pharmacological agents such as necrostatins, recombinant Fcnb, anti-histone, neutralizing antibodies, calbiochem, aminophylline, activated protein C, CD24IgG recombinant fission protein, and recombinant thrombomodulin. Thus, greater understanding of these molecules/pathways will enable developments in the treatment and/or prevention of various disorders, especially autoimmune diseases. Here, we review current knowledge about the mechanisms by which nucleic acids, histones, nucleosomes and monosodium urate microcrystals (MSU) can act as alarmins/"Find-Me" signals, how they might be stimulated in defective efferocytosis and their function and importance as biomarkers for prognosis and treatment of atherosclerosis, inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases.