Can Phagocytosis Occur Without Opsonization?
In Addition to Opsonic Phagocytosis, Microorganisms Can Be in- Gested Independently of the Presence of Opsonins at Their Surface. This Type of Phagocytosis Is...
In addition to opsonic phagocytosis, microorganisms can be in- gested independently of the presence of opsonins at their surface. This type of phagocytosis is particularly important to eradicate infections occurring at sites that are poor in serum opsonins such as the lung.
Can phagocytosis happen without opsonization?
Without an opsonin, such as an antibody, the negatively-charged cell walls of the pathogen and phagocyte repel each other. The pathogen can then avoid destruction and continue to replicate inside the human body.
What effect does opsonization have on phagocytosis?
After opsonin binds to the membrane, phagocytes are attracted to the pathogen. The Fab portion of the antibody binds to the antigen, whereas the Fc portion of the antibody binds to an Fc receptor on the phagocyte, facilitating phagocytosis.
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