opsonizasyonu
Opsonization is a process in the immune system where antibodies, specifically immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), coat the surface of pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, making them more susceptible to phagocytosis by phagocytic cells like neutrophils and macrophages. This process enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate foreign invaders. Opsonization occurs when the Fc region of an antibody binds to the Fc receptor on the surface of phagocytic cells. The coated pathogen is then engulfed and destroyed within a phagosome, a membrane-bound organelle within the phagocytic cell. This process is crucial for the body's defense against infections and is a key mechanism in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Opsonization can also occur through the action of complement proteins, which enhance the phagocytic activity of immune cells. The efficiency of opsonization depends on the affinity and specificity of the antibodies involved, as well as the presence of complement proteins.