opsonin /op·so·nin/ (op´son-in) an antibody that renders bacteria and other cells susceptible to phagocytosis.opson´ic
opsonin
immune opsonin an antibody that sensitizes a particulate antigen to phagocytosis, after combination with the homologous antigen in vivo or in vitro.
op·so·nin ( p s -n n)n. An antibody in blood serum that causes bacteria or other foreign cells to become more susceptible to the action of phagocytes. |
opsonin
[op′sənin]
Etymology: Gk, opsonein, to supply food
an antibody or complement split product that, on attaching to foreign material, microorganisms, or other antigens, enhances phagocytosis of that substance by leukocytes and other macrophages. opsonize, v.
opsonin
a substance such as antibody, complement or properdin that renders bacteria and other cells more susceptible to phagocytosis.
immune opsonin
an antibody that, when bound to particulate antigen, enhances in vivo or in vitro phagocytosis; the Fc portion of the antibody binds to an Fc receptor on the surface of the phagocytic cell.
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