IMMUNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Coating the surface of a pathogen to enhance phagocytosis is called opsonization. Alternatively, antibodies binding to the surface of a pathogen can activate the proteins of the complement system, which was described in Chapter 2.

Detailed explanation-2: -This mechanism of antibody-mediated increase in phagocytic efficacy is named opsonization. Opsonization involves the binding of an opsonin (e.g., antibody) to an epitope on a pathogen. After opsonin binds to the membrane, phagocytes are attracted to the pathogen.

Detailed explanation-3: -The C3b molecules act as opsonins; they bind covalently to the pathogen and thereby target it for destruction by phagocytes equipped with receptors for C3b.

Detailed explanation-4: -Opsonization, or enhanced attachment, refers to the antibody molecules IgG and IgE, the complement proteins C3b and C4b, and other opsonins attaching antigens to phagocytes. This results in a much more efficient phagocytosis.

Detailed explanation-5: -The complement system, also known as complement cascade, is a part of the immune system that enhances (complements) the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells from an organism, promote inflammation, and attack the pathogen’s cell membrane.