opsonization

Examples of opsonization in the following topics:

• The Complement System

  • Activation of the complement leads to robust and efficient proteolytic cascades, which terminate in opsonization and lysis of the pathogen as well as in the generation of the classical inflammatory response through the production of potent proinflammatory molecules.
  • This activity underpins the entire complement system by effectively "tagging" microorganisms as foreign, leading to further complement activation on and around the opsonized surface and terminating in the production of anaphylatoxins and assembly of membrane attack complexes .

• The Complement System

  • The following are the basic functions of the complement: opsonization (enhancing phagocytosis of antigens); chemotaxis (attracting macrophages and neutrophils); cell lysis (rupturing membranes of foreign cells); and clumping (antigen-bearing agents).
  • C3b binds to the surface of pathogens, leading to greater internalization by phagocytic cells by opsonization.

• Immune Complex Autoimmune Reactions

  • After an antigen-antibody reaction, the immune complexes can be subject to any of a number of responses, including complement deposition, opsonization, phagocytosis, or processing by proteases.

• Type III (Immune Complex) Reactions

  • After an antigen-antibody reaction, the immune complexes can be subject to any of a number of responses, including complement deposition, opsonization, phagocytosis, or processing by proteases.

• Plague

  • Natural or induced immunity is achieved, therefore, by the production of specific opsonic antibodies against F1 and V antigens.