When clearance fails: the role of efferocytosis in COPD

Despite the enormous global burden associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its precise underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. A key feature of COPD is persistent, nonresolving inflammation, traditionally attributed to an exaggerated immune response, oxidative stress, protease-antiprotease imbalances and increased cell death. While excessive cell death in COPD is well described, emerging evidence highlights defects in the subsequent clearance process, known as efferocytosis. Effective removal of dead cells is essential to prevent further inflammation in order to maintain tissue homeostasis. In this article, we critically review the literature and highlight the significant…