opsonization

(noun)

the process by which a pathogen is marked for ingestion and destruction by a phagocyte

Related Terms

Examples of opsonization in the following topics:

  • The Complement System

    • This process is called opsonization.

  • Antibody Functions

    • Phagocytic enhancement by antibodies is called opsonization.
    • The combination of antibodies and complement enhances opsonization even further, promoting rapid clearing of pathogens.

  • Humoral Immune Response

    • Antibodies also opsonize pathogen cells, wherein they mark them for destruction by phagocytic cells, such as macrophages or neutrophils.