Review Note

After binding to CAMs on capillary endothelial cells, phagocytic cells are drawn into sites of inflammation, by {{c1::chemoattractants}}, which act to ‘entice’ them from the blood vessels into the tissues. The major phagocytic cells, PMNs and MØs, have a variety of {{c1::cell surface receptors}} that they use to attach to foreign materials such as microorganisms

These include receptors for ‘generic,’ common, microbial structures (called ‘patterns,’ and thus these receptors are called {{c2::pattern recognition receptors}}, or {{c2::PRRs}}). {{c2::Opsonized}} (e.g., ‘marked’ by antibody and complement) microorganisms are much easier to grip onto. Once attached, this section of the cell membrane {{c2::endocytoses}}, bringing anything attached to the membrane surface receptors into the cell.

This phagosome fuses with a lysosome to become a {{c3::phagolysosome}}. (What a gruesome fate!) The lysosome contains many destructive enzymes and chemicals (e.g., lysozyme). Once fused with the phagosome the pH {{c3::drops}} and these destructive enzymes and chemicals become {{c3::activated}}. If oxygen is present many destructive {{c3::oxygen radicals}}, sometimes called {{c3::reactive oxygen species}} ({{c3::ROS}}) (e.g., O2 - , OH- , HOCl, NO- , etc.) are also produced in a process broadly referred to as {{c4::respiratory burst}}. {{c4::Phagocytosis}} is the major process the body uses to eliminate {{c4::dead cells}}, {{c4::foreign materials}}, and {{c4::microorganisms}}. Unless it is successfully completed, inflammation and healing can never be completed.