Liposome Preparation for the Analysis of Lipid‐Receptor Interaction and Efferocytosis

Abstract Efficient phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) is essential for immune homeostasis. Phospholipids exposed on the surface of apoptotic cells, such as phosphatidylserine, supply important “eat‐me” signals. Liposomes are lipid bilayer vesicles that can be generated from one or several types of phospholipids of interest. Thus, these vesicles offer versatility, flexibility, and, importantly, a three‐dimensional structure for studying the interaction between lipids and their receptors as well as the lipid‐receptor interaction–mediated signaling events controlling efferocytosis by cells like professional phagocytes. Here, we describe methods to prepare liposomes, perform liposome‐based lipid–receptor binding assays, use liposomes to block efferocytosis, and utilize liposome‐coated beads as apoptotic cell surrogates for phagocytosis. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.