Phagocytosis by neutrophils

Phagocytosis is central to the microbicidal function of neutrophils. Pathogens are initially engulfed into a plasma membrane-derived vacuole, the phagosome, which proceeds to acquire degradative properties by a complex process termed maturation. In this chapter, we discuss the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying phagosome formation and maturation in neutrophils. (C) 2003 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.