Opsonins function to

Opsonins function to

• A. Directly kill pathogens
• B. Enhance phagocytosis by coating pathogens
• C. Are a type of T cell receptor
• D. Form antibodies only during humoral response

Answer: (B)

Opsonization is the process by which certain molecules coat a pathogen to mark it for ingestion by phagocytes. Opsonins include antibodies (like IgG) and complement fragments (such as C3b). When a pathogen is coated with these opsonins, phagocytes have receptors (Fc receptors for antibodies and complement receptors for C3b) that readily bind the opsonized surface and trigger engulfment, making phagocytosis much more efficient. This tagging doesn’t kill the pathogen directly; it promotes its removal by phagocytes. Opsonins are not a type of T cell receptor, and they aren’t limited to the formation of antibodies during the humoral response. While antibodies can act as opsonins, components like C3b come from the complement system and are part of innate immunity.

Opsonization is the process by which certain molecules coat a pathogen to mark it for ingestion by phagocytes. Opsonins include antibodies (like IgG) and complement fragments (such as C3b). When a pathogen is coated with these opsonins, phagocytes have receptors (Fc receptors for antibodies and complement receptors for C3b) that readily bind the opsonized surface and trigger engulfment, making phagocytosis much more efficient. This tagging doesn’t kill the pathogen directly; it promotes its removal by phagocytes.

Opsonins are not a type of T cell receptor, and they aren’t limited to the formation of antibodies during the humoral response. While antibodies can act as opsonins, components like C3b come from the complement system and are part of innate immunity.