Xenophagy
Xenophagy (pronounced: ze-no-fa-gee) is a biological process that involves the degradation of invading pathogens by the autophagy machinery. The term is derived from the Greek words "xenos" meaning stranger and "phagein" meaning to eat.
Etymology
The term "Xenophagy" is derived from the Greek words "xenos" (xenos), meaning stranger, and "phagein" (phagein), meaning to eat. It was first used in the context of biology to describe the process by which cells degrade invading pathogens.
Process
Xenophagy begins when a pathogen invades a cell. The cell responds by encapsulating the pathogen in a double-membraned vesicle known as an autophagosome. The autophagosome then fuses with a lysosome, an organelle filled with enzymes that can break down the pathogen. This process is a part of the cell's innate immune response, helping to protect the cell and the organism from infection.
Related Terms
- Autophagy: A general term for the process by which cells degrade and recycle their own components.
- Lysosome: An organelle in the cell that contains enzymes for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Innate Immune Response: The body's first line of defense against infection, involving physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, as well as cells and processes that respond to pathogens in a non-specific way.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Xenophagy
- Wikipedia's article - Xenophagy
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