Fig. 8: Opsonization of an Encapsulated
Bacterium
The Fab portion of IgG binds to epitopes
of a capsule. The Fc portion can now attach the antigen to Fc receptors on phagocytes
for enhanced attachment. C3b and C4b from the complement pathways can also attach
capsules to phagocytes. This
is a major defense against encapsulated microbes.
Illustration of Opsonization of an Encapsulated Bacterium .jpg by Gary E. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology,
The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://cwoer.ccbcmd.edu/science/microbiology/index_gos.html.
Last updated: August, 2019
Please send comments and inquiries to Dr.
Gary Kaiser