Antibody opsonization
Antibody Opsonization
Antibody opsonization (pronunciation: an-ti-bod-ee op-so-ni-za-tion) is a process in the immune system where antibodies bind to the surface of a pathogen, making it easier for phagocytes to recognize and engulf the pathogen.
Etymology
The term "opsonization" is derived from the Greek word "opson," which means "to prepare for eating." This is a fitting description of the process, as opsonization essentially "prepares" pathogens to be "eaten" by phagocytes.
Process
Antibody opsonization begins when an antigen enters the body. The immune system responds by producing specific antibodies that can bind to the antigen. These antibodies, known as IgG antibodies, have a special region known as the Fc region that can be recognized by receptors on the surface of phagocytes. When the IgG antibodies bind to the antigen, the Fc region becomes exposed, allowing the phagocytes to recognize and engulf the antigen-antibody complex.
Related Terms
- Antigen: A substance that triggers an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies.
- Phagocyte: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and destroys pathogens.
- IgG: A type of antibody that plays a major role in antibody opsonization.
- Fc region: The part of an antibody that can bind to receptors on phagocytes, facilitating opsonization.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antibody opsonization
- Wikipedia's article - Antibody opsonization
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