ACAMPs

Apoptotic-cell associated molecular patterns (ACAMPs) are molecular markers present on cells which are going through apoptosis, i.e. programmed cell death (similarly, Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are markers of invading pathogens and Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are markers of damaged tissue). The term was used for the first time by C. D. Gregory in 2000. Recognition of these patterns by the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of phagocytes then leads to phagocytosis of the apoptotic cell. These patterns include eat-me signals on the apoptotic cells, loss of don’t-eat-me signals on viable cells and come-get-me signals (also find-me signals)) secreted by the apoptotic cells in order to attract phagocytes (mostly macrophages and immature dendritic cells). Thanks to these markers, apoptotic cells, unlike necrotic cells, do not trigger the unwanted immune response.