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Updated: May 9, 2026

Visualizing the Early Stages of Phagocytosis
Published on: February 3, 2017
The importance of phagocytosis and its effect on the immune system
Hamra Sude Gençoğlu1, Esra Aydemir1, Furkan Ayaz2
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey.
Abstract:
Phagocytosis is a fundamental biological process in the immune system whereby phagocytic cells eliminate pathogens and apoptotic cells. This mechanism plays a central role in ensuring the effectiveness of innate immunity and in activating the antigen recognition and response processes of acquired immunity. This review discusses the importance of phagocytosis in the immune system, its molecular mechanisms, associated disorders, relationship with immunodeficiencies, and its role in vaccine design. In this context, a deeper understanding of phagocytosis may contribute both to improved approaches for the treatment of immunodeficiencies and to the development of next-generation vaccines and immunotherapies.
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