Dual-Fluorescence In Vitro Efferocytosis Assay.

The clearance of dead cells by macrophages, termed "efferocytosis," drives the resolution of inflammation, restricts necrosis, and restores homeostasis. Defects in efferocytosis contribute to many diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. Multiple methods to test efferocytosis by macrophages in vitro exist, but each has distinct disadvantages. This chapter describes an improved method to test apoptotic cell binding and internalization by bone marrow-derived macrophages that takes advantage of the high-affinity between streptavidin and biotin.