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Related Concept Videos

Phagocytosis00:41

Phagocytosis

Cells pull particles inward and engulf them in spherical vesicles in an energy-requiring process called endocytosis. Phagocytosis (“cellular eating”) is one of three major types of endocytosis. Cells use phagocytosis to take in large objects—such as other cells (or their debris), bacteria, and even viruses.The objective of phagocytosis is often destruction. Cells use phagocytosis to eliminate unwelcome visitors, like pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria). It is perhaps unsurprising, that many...
Phagocytosis00:41

Phagocytosis

Cells pull particles inward and engulf them in spherical vesicles in an energy-requiring process called endocytosis. Phagocytosis ("cellular eating") is one of three major types of endocytosis. Cells use phagocytosis to take in large objects, such as other cells (or their debris), bacteria, and even viruses.
The objective of phagocytosis is often destruction. Cells use phagocytosis to eliminate unwelcome visitors, like pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria). Many immune system cells, including...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Endocytosis01:16

Endocytosis

Eukaryotic cells acquire nutrients for growth and proliferation. Nutrients and other molecules that require degradation are internalized from the extracellular space by a process called endocytosis. The term ‘endocytosis' was first coined by Christian de Duve in 1963.
Endocytosis always begins with the plasma membrane enclosing an incoming molecule to form a transport vesicle which, in some cases, can be coated with a protein called ‘clathrin.' Endocytosed material is either sorted through...
Receptor-mediated Endocytosis01:38

Receptor-mediated Endocytosis

Overview

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

"Phagosome Closure Assay" to Visualize Phagosome Formation in Three Dimensions Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescent Microscopy (TIRFM)
10:07

"Phagosome Closure Assay" to Visualize Phagosome Formation in Three Dimensions Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescent Microscopy (TIRFM)

Published on: August 26, 2016

C-type lectins and phagocytosis.

Ann M Kerrigan1, Gordon D Brown

  • 1Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, CLS, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.

Immunobiology
|March 6, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are crucial for host defense against pathogens via phagocytosis. This review examines the phagocytic roles of various PRRs, including C-type lectins, and their mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are germ-line encoded receptors that recognize conserved microbial structures.
  • PRRs activate host defense mechanisms, including phagocytosis, which is essential for controlling extracellular pathogens.
  • Several C-type lectins act as PRRs, mediating or regulating pathogen uptake, but their precise phagocytic roles and mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the phagocytic roles of key PRRs involved in host defense against pathogens.
  • To discuss the known and potential phagocytic mechanisms mediated by these receptors.
  • To highlight areas of ongoing research and debate regarding PRR-mediated phagocytosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating PRR function in phagocytosis.

More Related Videos

Time-lapse 3D Imaging of Phagocytosis by Mouse Macrophages
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Time-lapse 3D Imaging of Phagocytosis by Mouse Macrophages

Published on: October 19, 2018

Visualizing the Early Stages of Phagocytosis
08:04

Visualizing the Early Stages of Phagocytosis

Published on: February 3, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

"Phagosome Closure Assay" to Visualize Phagosome Formation in Three Dimensions Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescent Microscopy (TIRFM)
10:07

"Phagosome Closure Assay" to Visualize Phagosome Formation in Three Dimensions Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescent Microscopy (TIRFM)

Published on: August 26, 2016

Time-lapse 3D Imaging of Phagocytosis by Mouse Macrophages
07:24

Time-lapse 3D Imaging of Phagocytosis by Mouse Macrophages

Published on: October 19, 2018

Visualizing the Early Stages of Phagocytosis
08:04

Visualizing the Early Stages of Phagocytosis

Published on: February 3, 2017

  • Analysis of experimental evidence for the phagocytic potential of specific C-type lectins.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying PRR-mediated phagocytosis.

    • Main Results:

    • Mannose receptor, Dectin-1, dendritic cell-specific ICAM grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN), DCL-1, mannose binding lectin, and surfactant proteins A and D are identified as PRRs with roles in phagocytosis.
    • Evidence supporting the phagocytic function of some PRRs is strong, while for others, it is less clear.
    • The underlying molecular mechanisms of phagocytosis mediated by these receptors are not fully elucidated.

    Conclusions:

    • PRRs, particularly C-type lectins, play significant roles in pathogen recognition and uptake.
    • Further research is needed to clarify the specific phagocytic functions and mechanisms of various PRRs.
    • Understanding these processes is critical for developing novel therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases.