Bacteriopsonic

/bæk,tɪərioʊˈsɑnɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or involving opsonins, which are antibodies that mark bacteria for destruction by immune cells.

Etymology

From bacterio- (bacteria) + opsonic (from Greek opson, 'sauce'). The term 'opsonin' was named because these molecules 'sauce' or coat bacteria to make them tastier for immune cells.

Kelly Says

Bacteriopsonic activity is why vaccines work—they train your immune system to produce antibodies that coat invading bacteria, essentially putting a 'eat me' sign on them for your white blood cells!

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