Search for novel cell surface markers of apoptotic cells

Surface markers of apoptotic cells are of great interest as potential targets for non-destructive detection and study of these cells. They are also important for apoptotic cell recognition and subsequent clearance by cells of the immune system. Recently, it was found that apoptosis is accompanied by not only the loss of plasma membrane asymmetry detected by Annexin V, but also by changes in cell surface glycoconjugates. These novel markers of apoptosis are α-d-mannose and β-d-galactose-specific plasma membrane glycoproteins whose expression is substantially increased after induction of apoptosis. The glyconeoepitopes described in this article are proposed to be useful for both, the detection of apoptotic cells and the isolation of the latter, from mixed populations.