Phagocytosis is a cellular process in which cells engulf and digest large particles, such as bacteria or dead cells. It is a crucial mechanism in the immune response to pathogens.
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Phagocytosis is primarily carried out by specialized cells called phagocytes, which include neutrophils and macrophages.
The process involves several steps: chemotaxis, adhesion, ingestion, digestion, and exocytosis of waste materials.
Phagocytosis plays a key role in both innate nonspecific host defenses and adaptive specific immunity.
Pathogens have evolved mechanisms to evade phagocytosis, such as producing capsules or toxins that inhibit the process.
Phagocytosis can trigger an inflammatory response that helps recruit additional immune cells to the site of infection.