Apoptotic cells are rapidly removed by phagocytosis to clear the living cells and tissues of intracellular materials being released from dying cells. Phagocytes recognize apoptotic cells through milk fat globule-EGF-factor 8 (MFG-E8). MFG-E8 is a secreted glycoprotein from thioglycollate-elicited macrophages and bind to phosphatidylserine exposed on the cell surface of apoptotic cells, then bind strongly to cells expressing avß3 integrin via its RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartate) motif. Thus, MFG-E8 is an important protein to mediate the engulfment of apoptotic cells by activated macrophages.Synonyms: Breast epithelial antigen BA46, HMFG, MFGE8, MFGM, Milk fat globule-EGF factor 8