Phagocytic signaling strategies: Fc(gamma)receptor-mediated phagocytosis as a model system

Abstract

Phagocytosis is a phylogenetically ancient process by which eukaryotic cells engulf insoluble substances whose size exceeds approximately 0.5 microm. The engulfment process requires the concerted action of several fundamental cellular pathways and is governed by multiple transmembrane signaling events. Here we focus on phagocytosis mediated by a well-studied class of phagocytic receptors that recognize the Fc portion of IgG (Fc(gamma)Rs ).