fagosomeiksi

Fagosomes, or phagosomes in English, are intracellular vesicles formed during phagocytosis, a cellular process by which cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells ingest particles, including microbes and debris. The process begins when receptors recognize the target, triggering membrane remodeling and engulfment to create a vesicle that encloses the particle. The nascent phagosome then matures through early and late stages, marked by changes in Rab GTPases and tethering proteins, and ultimately fuses with lysosomes to form a phagolysosome. Within the phagolysosome, ingested material is exposed to acidic conditions and degradative enzymes, leading to breakdown of the particle. Some phagolysosomes also generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to aid destruction.

Phagocytosis plays a central role in innate immunity by eliminating pathogens and clearing apoptotic cells, and it also interfaces with adaptive immunity through antigen processing and presentation, notably via MHC class II molecules. Historically, phagosomes were studied in professional phagocytes, but many cell types can perform phagocytosis to varying extents.

Pathogens have evolved strategies to modulate phagosome maturation, enabling survival within host cells; for example, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can block phagosome–lysosome fusion. Understanding phagosome biology informs research across infectious disease, immunology, and cancer biology, including mechanisms of antigen presentation and intracellular defense.

Regarding the Finnish term fagosomeiksi, it is the translative case form meaning into phagosomes, used when describing cellular processes or experiments in Finnish literature.