The importance of phagocytosis and its effect on the immune system

Gençoğlu H. S., Aydemir E., Ayaz F.

Molecular Biology Reports, vol.53, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 53 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s11033-026-11917-5
  • Journal Name: Molecular Biology Reports
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE
  • Keywords: Adaptive immunity, Antigen presentation, Apoptosis, Immunodeficiencies, Innate immunity, Phagocytosis, Receptors, Vaccine development
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Phagocytosis is a fundamental biological process in the immune system whereby phagocytic cells eliminate pathogens and apoptotic cells. This mechanism plays a central role in ensuring the effectiveness of innate immunity and in activating the antigen recognition and response processes of acquired immunity. This review discusses the importance of phagocytosis in the immune system, its molecular mechanisms, associated disorders, relationship with immunodeficiencies, and its role in vaccine design. In this context, a deeper understanding of phagocytosis may contribute both to improved approaches for the treatment of immunodeficiencies and to the development of next-generation vaccines and immunotherapies.