Ubiquitination and degradation of CD47 enhances macrophage phagocytosis of hemolytic erythrocytes.

ABSTRACT: The destruction of red blood cells by classical complement activation can form erythrocyte ghosts in immune-mediated hemolysis. However, the mechanisms involved in clearing these membrane remnants remain to be elucidated. In this study, a combination of in vivo models, in vitro macrophage co-culture systems, proteomic screening, and functional validation assays was employed to investigate the cellular processing of erythrocyte ghosts. We demonstrated that erythrocyte ghosts are engulfed by macrophage phagocytosis. Besides, a significant downregulation of CD47, a critical "don't-eat-me" signal, is observed on the membranes of erythrocyte ghosts due to ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation, facilitating their phagocytic removal by macrophages. Moreover, the E3 ubiquitin lig

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12818076 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature