Opsonisation (Noun)
Meaning
Process whereby opsonins make an invading microorganism more susceptible to phagocytosis.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Opsonisation is a crucial step in the immune response, allowing phagocytic cells to recognize and engulf invading pathogens.
- The opsonisation of bacteria by antibodies and complement proteins enhances their recognition and uptake by neutrophils and macrophages.
- Complement proteins play a key role in opsonisation, coating the surface of pathogens and marking them for destruction by phagocytic cells.
- The process of opsonisation involves the binding of opsonins to the surface of microorganisms, making them more susceptible to phagocytosis.
- Impaired opsonisation can lead to increased susceptibility to infection, as phagocytic cells are unable to effectively recognize and eliminate invading pathogens.