How Macrophages Distinguish Healthy vs. Cancer Cells: CD47 and "Eat Me" Signals #3346663 (License: Personal Use)

This diagram illustrates the immune checkpoint mechanism where healthy cells express CD47, binding to SIRPα on macrophages to inhibit phagocytosis. In contrast, cancer cells often lose CD47 expression or expose pro-phagocytic “eat me” signals like calreticulin, triggering macrophage-mediated destruction. The visual highlights molecular interactions central to cancer immunotherapy strategies targeting CD47.

Used in oncology and immunology educational content, research summaries, or medical websites explaining immune evasion and therapeutic targeting of CD47. Matches user intent for understanding macrophage function, cancer biology, or novel immunotherapies.