Senescent cells impair macrophages’ ability to remove corpses. (A) Schematic overview of the experimental design using direct co-cultures between proliferating or senescent cells and primary macrophages. Cells were co-cultured for 16 h and then exposed to pHrodo labeled apoptotic corpses (Raji cells; 2.5:1 ratio). Corpse removal was monitored by live cell imaging (IncuCyte) for 24 h. (B and C) Quantification of efferocytosis of apoptotic corpses in co-cultures between human MDMs and senescent or proliferating primary lung fibroblasts (B; NHLF or IPF-derived fibroblasts [IPF]), primary liver stellate cells, primary lung small airway epithelial cells (SAEC), or transformed epithelial cell lines (C; Panc1, A549). Efferocytotic capability of macrophages in co-culture with proliferating (black line) or senescent (red line) cells was monitored over time using the IncuCyte S3 system. Data are representative of at least three independent experiments. All values are means ± SEM.