opsonise

Opsonisation, also spelled opsonization, is a process in the immune system where antibodies, specifically immunoglobulin G (IgG), coat or "opsonise" foreign particles such as bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. This coating enhances the ability of phagocytic cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, to recognise and engulf the pathogens. The opsonisation process involves the binding of the Fc region of the antibody to specific receptors on the surface of phagocytic cells. This interaction facilitates the phagocytosis of the opsonised particle, leading to its destruction and clearance from the body. Opsonisation is a crucial component of the innate and adaptive immune responses, playing a vital role in protecting the host from infections. The efficiency of opsonisation can be influenced by various factors, including the affinity and specificity of the antibodies, the density of the Fc receptors on phagocytic cells, and the nature of the pathogen.