Biogenesis of phagolysosomes: the 'kiss and run' hypothesis

Abstract

Particles such as microorganisms that are taken up by the cell into phagosomes are usually ultimately degraded in phagolysosomes. However, despite its importance, phagolysosome biogenesis is poorly understood. This article presents a model for phagosome maturation into phagolysosomes that involves multiple transient fusion-fission interactions of phagosomes with endocytic organelles via a fusion-pore-like structure. This dynamic process may be modulated by the sequential appearance and disappearance of key phagosome proteins.