The discovery of autoantigen clustering in blebs at the surface of apoptotic cells boosted
research on the role of apoptosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and led to the
discovery of autoantigen modification during apoptosis. Normally, apoptotic cells are cleared
efficiently and swiftly. However, it became clear that in SLE insufficient removal of apoptotic
material leads to the release of these modified autoantigens. This creates the danger that
these modified autoantigens are recognized by the immune system. Indeed, dendritic cells …