OPSONIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Opsonization is a process in immunology in which microbes are marked for destruction by immune cells. It involves the binding of opsonins, which are molecules that enhance the recognition and engulfment of pathogens by phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils. Opsonization enhances the efficiency of the immune response by labeling the pathogens and making them more easily recognizable by these immune cells.
Opsonins are typically antibodies or proteins that bind to specific antigens on the surface of pathogens. When opsonins attach to the pathogens, they act as a bridge between the pathogen and the phagocyte receptors. This attachment triggers a series of cellular responses that facilitate the engulfment and subsequent destruction of the pathogen.
During opsonization, the opsonized pathogens are recognized by specific receptors on the phagocyte's surface, leading to their engulfment through a process called phagocytosis. Once engulfed, the microbes are enclosed within a vesicle called a phagosome, which fuses with lysosomes containing destructive enzymes. This fusion forms a phagolysosome, where the pathogens are destroyed by the combined action of lysosomal enzymes and reactive oxygen species.
Opsonization plays a pivotal role in the immune response against infectious agents, as it significantly enhances the efficiency of phagocytes in eliminating pathogens. It is a key component of both innate and adaptive immunity and is critical for maintaining the body's defense against microbial invasion.
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The process by which bacteria are rendered attractive to the phagocytes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OPSONIZATION
Etymology of OPSONIZATION
The word "opsonization" is derived from the Greek word "opsōnein", which means "to purchase food", or "to prepare food for eating". This term originated from "opsōn", which means "a delicacy" or "savoury dish". In ancient Greece, opson referred to a food item that accompanied the main course of a meal, enhancing its flavor. This term was later adopted in immunology to describe a process by which antibodies or complement proteins coat pathogens, making them easier for phagocytes to recognize and ingest. The concept of "opsonization" in immunology reflects the original Greek meaning of preparing or enhancing something for consumption.
Similar spelling word for OPSONIZATION
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