Cross-presentation of caspase-cleaved apoptotic self-antigens in HIV infection

Apoptotic cells, via the activation of caspases, undergo significant proteome alterations. Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by dendritic cells (DCs) leads to the processing of the apoptotic cell-associated (apoptotic) antigens and the cross-presentation of the resulting peptides on major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. This phenomenon seems crucial for inducing either cross-priming or cross-tolerance of CD8+ T cells, based on the presence or absence of various infectious or danger signals influencing the switch from tolerogenic immature DCs (iDCs) to mature DCs (mDCs) with high stimulatory and migratory capacities.