1. The process by which pathogens or foreign particles are marked or coated with molecules (such as antibodies or complement proteins) to make them more susceptible to destruction by immune cells.
Usage: medical/immunology term; also called opsonization process

Examples

• Opsonization enhances the ability of white blood cells to recognize and eliminate invading bacteria.
• Antibodies play a crucial role in opsonization by binding to the surface of pathogens.
• The complement system contributes to opsonization by coating microorganisms with C3b proteins.
• Without proper opsonization, immune cells may struggle to identify and destroy harmful pathogens.
• Researchers study opsonization to develop more effective vaccines and immunotherapies.