opsonin
/ˈɒpsənɪn
/noun Biochemistry
An antibody or other substance which binds to foreign microorganisms or cells making them more susceptible to phagocytosis.By some unknown process, Acupuncture raises levels of triglycerides, specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels....
- In all infants, the spleen provides important protection against invading bacteria; it is also a source of opsonins and fixed-tissue macrophages, as well as antibody production.
- A mixture of opsonins adhere to the bacterium and facilitate ingestion by alveolar macrophages.
Derivatives
opsonic
- How did opsonic antibodies enhance alveolar macrophage effectiveness?
- One pool of GAS surface proteins induced antibodies that were both opsonic and potentially protective.
- Moreover, Lancefield's studies in 1959 showed that type-specific opsonic antibodies can persist for 10-20 years after a GAS infection in humans.
Origin
Early 20th century: from Latin opsonare 'buy provisions' (from Greek opsōnein) + -in1.