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Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Alveolar Macrophage Phagocytosis and Bacteria Clearance in Mice
Published on: March 2, 2019
The importance of surfactant proteins-New aspects on macrophage phagocytosis
Thomas Tschernig1, Nils T Veith2, Ebru Diler1
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
Abstract:
Surfactant and its components have multiple functions. The so called collectins are surfactant proteins which opsonize bacteria and improve pulmonary host defense via the phagocytosis and clearance of microorganisms and particles. In this special issue of the Annals of Anatomy a new surfactant protein, Surfactant Associated 3, is highlighted. As outlined in this mini review Surfactant Associated 3 is regarded as an enhancer of phagocytosis. In addition, the role played by SP-A is updated and open research questions raised.
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