opsonisation

Opsonisation is a process in the immune system where antibodies coat or "opsonise" foreign particles, such as bacteria or viruses, making them more susceptible to phagocytosis by phagocytic cells like neutrophils and macrophages. This process is crucial for the body's defense mechanism against infections. When an antibody binds to an antigen, it creates a complex that can be recognized by phagocytic cells. The antibody-antigen complex is then engulfed by the phagocytic cells, which digest and eliminate the foreign particle. Opsonisation enhances the efficiency of phagocytosis by providing a recognition signal for the phagocytic cells and by facilitating the attachment of the foreign particle to the cell surface. This process is a key component of the humoral immune response and plays a vital role in protecting the body from infectious agents.