What is opsonization?
the coating of bacteria to facilitate subsequent phagocytosis by cells
Opsonization is a process in which pathogens or other foreign particles are marked for destruction by cells of the immune system, particularly phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils. Opsonins are molecules, such as antibodies and complement proteins, that bind to the surface of pathogens and other foreign particles, and effectively tag them as ‘prey’ for phagocytes. The presence of opsonins on the surface of these particles facilitates their recognition and engulfment by the phagocytes, which then break down and destroy the pathogen or particle. Opsonization is an important mechanism in the innate immune system, allowing the body to rapidly recognize and eliminate foreign invaders and maintain homeostasis.
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