2000/12/01 by DROR MEVORACH, Dror Mevorach · 1 citation
Chemistry · Immunology and Microbiology · Medicine · #Alternative complement pathway #Antibody #Antibody opsonization #Autoimmunity #Biology #Cell biology #Chemistry #Complement receptor #Complement system #Complement system in diseases #Erythrocyte Function and Pathophysiology #Immune system #Immunology #Innate immune system #Microbiology #Opsonin #Phagocytosis #Phagocytosis and Immune Regulation
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2000.tb05615.x
openalex publication_date 2000/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
As a part of innate immunity, soluble host proteins called opsonins, which include complement ligands and immunoglobulins, initially coat microorganisms that penetrate the mammalian sterile milieu. The main purpose of opsonization is to allow subsequent clearance of opsonized particles by specific receptors on the surface of leukocytes. Similarly, several proteins that may act as opsonins and have a role in uptake of apoptotic cells and bodies include thrombospondin I, the complement system, beta 2GPI, immunoglobulins, CRP, and some unidentified others. The surface changes that lead to opsonization include the appearance of phosphatidylserine that acts as an activator molecule for some known opsonins as the complement system and beta 2GPI. The consequence of altered opsonization is demonstrated by the development of autoimmunity in C1q deficient mice, and the pro-inflammatory response by macrophages ingesting apoptotic cell opsonized by an autoantibody.