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Phagocytosis

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...

Phagocytosis

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...

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

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...

Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome

Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome

Eukaryotic cells use different mechanisms to eliminate toxic waste obsolete and worn-out substances. Lysosomes play a pivotal role in this, and hence, these substances are carried to the lysosome from other parts of the cell and extracellular space through different pathways. The most elaborately studied pathways to the lysosome are the endocytic pathways.
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

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.

Endocytosis

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Visualizing the Early Stages of Phagocytosis

Visualizing the Early Stages of Phagocytosis

Published on: February 3, 2017

Phagocytosis: reemerging roles for a primitive function.

Aleksandra Krajewski¹, Manish Garg, Mithu De

¹Farmington, Conn. From the Division of Plastic Surgery and Center for Immunotherapy, University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

|March 26, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Phagocytosis research offers new solutions for plastic surgery challenges, from aging and wound repair to skin cancer and regenerative medicine. This century-old discovery is re-emerging with significant clinical potential.

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"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

Time-lapse 3D Imaging of Phagocytosis by Mouse Macrophages

Published on: October 19, 2018

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Visualizing the Early Stages of Phagocytosis

Visualizing the Early Stages of Phagocytosis

Published on: February 3, 2017

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

"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

Time-lapse 3D Imaging of Phagocytosis by Mouse Macrophages

Published on: October 19, 2018

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cell Biology
Plastic Surgery

Background:

Phagocytosis, discovered 100 years ago, has evolved significantly with expanded clinical applications.
Recent advances highlight its potential in various health and disease contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the discovery and evolution of phagocytosis.
To examine its relevance and application in plastic surgery.
To identify research tools for advancing phagocytosis in surgery.

Main Methods:

Historical review of phagocytosis discovery and concept.
Review of phagocytosis in innate and adaptive immunity.
Examination of phagocytosis applications in plastic surgery.

Main Results:

Phagocytosis is crucial for aging, wound repair, skin cancers, scarring, burns, infections, and transplantation.
Applications include regenerative medicine and nanoparticle drug delivery in 'cosmeceuticals'.
Phagocytosis can address tissue damage from radiation and metabolic insults.

Conclusions:

Phagocytosis research presents a significant opportunity for plastic surgeons to solve clinical problems.
Collaboration between biologists and plastic surgeons can drive translational research.
This field promises new therapeutic strategies for unmet clinical needs.