How to build a phagosome: new concepts for an old process

Phagocytosis is a complex and elegant mechanism requiring finely coordinated deformation and restructuring of the membrane and the underlying cytoskeleton. Here we discuss the early events of receptor clustering and engagement required for signal transduction and actin remodeling. In addition, we summarize recent studies of the mechanisms whereby the nascent phagosome seals and evolves into a degradative phagolysosome by a process that seemingly involves the autophagic machinery. These studies provided new insights of the molecular basis of this long-appreciated, essential homeostatic process.