Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 21, 2025

"Phagosome Closure Assay" to Visualize Phagosome Formation in Three Dimensions Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescent Microscopy TIRFM
Published on: August 26, 2016
Conclusions and the Futures of Phagocytosis
1School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. hallettmb@cf.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Although we know a wealth of detail about the molecular and cell biology of phagocytosis, there are many unsolved mysteries remaining. In this final chapter, some important may be tangential) questions are raised, that the bulk of researchers are not really addressing. In this chapter, some suggestions are given for this type of "blue skies" future work. These include new approaches to understanding phagocytosis and the possibility that this new knowledge may provide a solution to anti-microbial resistance. This future phagocytosis research would have an impact, not only on our understanding of phagocytosis, but potentially on the future of human health.
Related Concept Videos
Phagocytosis
Phagocytosis
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,...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized...
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
Endocytosis
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...

