Metabolic Connections during Apoptotic Cell Engulfment

Billions of cells die via apoptosis every day and are swiftly removed. When a phagocyte engulfs an apoptotic cell, it essentially doubles its cellular contents, raising the question of how a phagocyte may manage the excess metabolic load. This Minireview discusses phagocyte cellular metabolism, the digestion of the ingested apoptotic cell, and the impact of these processes on engulfment.