opsonization
Chapter: 4
Cells or bacteria can undergo opsonization by the binding of complement or antibody to their cell membranes. The opsonization process thus identifies these cells or bacteria to the phagocytic system. Neutrophils and monocyte/macrophages have receptors on their cell surface for the C3b component of complement and the Fc portion of antibodies, and attack and engulf cells or bacteria that have been identified to them by the complement or antibody system.
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