Definition
opsonizing
verb
- coating or treating (a pathogen or foreign particle) with opsonin to make it more susceptible to destruction by phagocytes
Usage: immunology; medical/scientific term; present participle of opsonize
Examples
- The immune system works by opsonizing bacteria with antibodies to mark them for destruction.
- Complement proteins are responsible for opsonizing pathogens in the bloodstream.
- Opsonizing invading microorganisms enhances the efficiency of phagocytosis.
- The antibodies are opsonizing the viral particles to facilitate immune clearance.
- White blood cells are more effective at engulfing pathogens after opsonizing them with immunoglobulins.