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Related Concept Videos

Phagocytosis00:41

Phagocytosis

79.8K
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.
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Endocytosis01:16

Endocytosis

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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...
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Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

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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...
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Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome01:36

Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome

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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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Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

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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...
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Pinocytosis00:38

Pinocytosis

3.2K
Cells use energy-requiring bulk transport mechanisms to transfer large particles or large numbers of small particles into or out of the cell. The cells envelop the particles in spherical membranes called vesicles or vacuoles. Vesicles that transport material into the cell are built from the cell membrane. These vesicles encapsulate external molecules and transport them into the cell in a process called endocytosis.
Pinocytosis ("cellular drinking") is one of three main types of...
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Updated: Jun 23, 2025

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

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Phagocytosis.

Eileen Uribe-Querol1, Carlos Rosales2

  • 1Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|June 18, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Phagocytosis, the process of cell eating, is crucial for immunity and tissue repair. This review details its steps and role in cellular immunity, highlighting areas needing further research.

Keywords:
AntibodyBacteriaComplement receptorFc receptorInfectionInflammationMacrophageNeutrophil

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Élie Metchnikoff's pioneering work established phagocytosis as central to host defense.
  • Phagocytosis is vital for eliminating pathogens and apoptotic cells, maintaining tissue homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of current knowledge on phagocytosis.
  • To discuss the key steps and mechanisms involved in phagocytosis by professional phagocytes.
  • To identify aspects of phagocytosis that require further investigation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on phagocytosis.
  • Discussion of cellular mechanisms, including receptor-mediated processes.
  • Analysis of the four main steps: recognition, signaling, formation, and maturation.

Main Results:

  • Phagocytosis involves target recognition, signaling, and the formation and maturation of phagolysosomes.
  • Professional phagocytes utilize antibody and complement receptors for particle uptake.
  • The complex process of phagocytosis is fundamental to innate immunity and inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Phagocytosis is a cornerstone of innate immunity and tissue homeostasis.
  • Understanding the intricacies of phagocytosis, particularly receptor-mediated pathways, is essential.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate all aspects of this complex cellular process.