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Published on: August 26, 2016
Phagocytosis
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110.
Abstract:
Phagocytosis is the process of recognition and engulfment of microorganisms or tissue debris that accumulate during infection, inflammation or wound repair. This ingestion, which is performed most efficiently by migrating, bone marrow-derived cells called 'professional phagocytes', is essential for successful host defense. Ingestion results when an invading microorganism is recognized by specific receptors on the phagocyte surface and requires multiple, successive interactions between the phagocyte and the target. Each of these interactions results in a signal transduction event, which is confined to the membrane and cytoskeleton around the ligated receptor and which is required for successful phagocytosis. Many molecules found at sites of inflammation or infection stimulate phagocytosis, so that efficient ingestion is confined to the site of infection or inflammation, which in turn limits the proinflammatory and tissue-destructive processes that accompany phagocytosis. This review summarizes current understanding of this critical component of host defense and of its regulation.
Insights
Professional phagocytes engulf pathogens and debris, a crucial host defense mechanism. This process involves receptor recognition and signaling, limiting inflammation and tissue damage at infection sites.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Phagocytosis is the cellular process of engulfing pathogens and debris.
- Professional phagocytes, specialized immune cells, are key players in host defense.
- This process is vital during infection, inflammation, and wound repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of phagocytosis.
- To summarize the regulation of phagocytosis in host defense.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on phagocytosis.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms involved in phagocyte recognition and engulfment.
Main Results:
- Phagocytosis requires specific receptor recognition and multiple interactions between phagocytes and targets.
- Signal transduction events at the cell membrane and cytoskeleton are essential for successful engulfment.
- Stimulation by molecules at inflammation sites confines phagocytosis, limiting associated tissue damage.
Conclusions:
- Phagocytosis is a tightly regulated process critical for effective host defense.
- Understanding phagocytosis regulation is key to managing infection and inflammatory conditions.
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