Opsonize (Verb)
Meaning
Make (cells) more susceptible to the action of phagocytes.
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The antibodies in the immune system work by opsonizing pathogens, making them more easily recognized and engulfed by phagocytic cells.
- The complement system is also able to opsonize pathogens by tagging them with proteins that signal phagocytes to engulf them.
- Macrophages can recognize pathogens opsonized by antibodies or complement proteins on their surface.
- Immune system components like C3b opsonize pathogens by attaching to their surface and marking them for destruction by phagocytes.
- Antibodies opsonize invading microorganisms by binding to them and displaying epitopes that phagocytes can recognize.