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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
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Measuring Phagosome pH by Ratiometric Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: December 7, 2015
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The NADPH Oxidase and the Phagosome
Hana Valenta1,2, Marie Erard1,2, Sophie Dupré-Crochet1,2
1Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|May 14, 2020
Summary
Phagocytes use the phagocyte NADPH oxidase to destroy pathogens. Novel microscopy reveals how this enzyme complex assembles and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) within phagosomes, aiding pathogen destruction.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Phagocytosis is crucial for eliminating pathogenic microorganisms.
- Phagocytes employ diverse killing mechanisms, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
- The phagocyte NADPH oxidase enzyme complex is central to ROS generation within phagosomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key features and regulation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase.
- To explore the enzyme's activity during phagocytosis using advanced imaging techniques.
- To elucidate the role of anionic phospholipids in controlling phagosomal ROS production.
Main Methods:
- Utilized novel fluorescence microscopy techniques.
- Employed fluorescent protein labeling of NADPH oxidase subunits.
- Integrated structural data with live-cell imaging.
Main Results:
- Visualized the structure and dynamics of NADPH oxidase subunits in living cells.
- Identified the role of anionic phospholipids in regulating phagosomal ROS production.
- Provided critical data for a 3D model of the pre-activation cytosolic subunit complex.
Conclusions:
- Advanced microscopy offers new insights into NADPH oxidase function during phagocytosis.
- Anionic phospholipids are key regulators of ROS generation in phagosomes.
- Structural and dynamic data contribute to understanding the NADPH oxidase complex assembly and activation.
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