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Updated: May 14, 2026
07:24
Time-lapse 3D Imaging of Phagocytosis by Mouse Macrophages
Published on: October 19, 2018
Phagocytosis: history's lessons.
Manish Garg1, Rajiv Y Chandawarkar
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Immunology Unit, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA. manish.garg@yale.edu
Connecticut Medicine
|February 23, 2013
Summary
Learn from the past: a century ago, Nobel laureates Metchnikoff and Ehrlich
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- History of Science
Background:
- A century ago, Nobel Prize winners Ilya Metchnikoff and Paul Ehrlich presented contrasting theories on host-pathogen interactions.
- Metchnikoff's discovery of phagocytosis focused on cellular defense mechanisms.
- Ehrlich's work highlighted humoral immunity through antigen-specific antibodies.
Discussion:
- The scientific community engaged in rigorous debate between Metchnikoff's cellular and Ehrlich's humoral immunology.
- This scientific strife, though intense, spurred significant advancements in understanding immune responses.
- Historical accounts often oversimplify scientific discovery, neglecting the laborious work involved.
Key Insights:
- The historical conflict between phagocytosis and humoral immunity laid foundational principles for modern immunology.
- Lessons from this scientific journey emphasize the value of rigorous debate and persistent research.
- Understanding the historical context of scientific breakthroughs is crucial for contemporary scientific education.
Outlook:
- The enduring legacy of Metchnikoff and Ehrlich continues to inform current immunological research.
- Applying historical lessons can foster a more nuanced appreciation of the scientific process.
- This centenary commentary serves as a reminder of the foundational work that underpins current scientific understanding.
Related Concept Videos
00:41Phagocytosis
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...
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...
00:41Phagocytosis
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.
01:36Delivery 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...
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01:25Immune 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.
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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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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.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.