The process begins with the recognition of aged or damaged RBCs by macrophages. These cells are identified by changes in their membrane proteins or the presence of bound antibodies. Macrophages then engulf the RBCs and degrade them within phagolysosomes. The key steps in this process involve:
Recognition and binding of RBC by macrophages. Phagocytosis and formation of a phagolysosome. Degradation of hemoglobin into heme and globin. Conversion of heme into bilirubin and iron.
