Opsonization is a term to describe what?

Opsonization refers specifically to the process of coating pathogens, such as bacteria, with molecular substances that enhance their recognition and uptake by phagocytic cells like macrophages and neutrophils. This coating is typically achieved by antibodies or complement proteins that bind to the surface of the pathogen. When these molecules cover the bacteria, they create a signal that makes it easier for immune cells to identify and engulf (or ingest) the pathogens through a process known as phagocytosis.

While lysis, ingestion, and killing of bacteria are outcomes of immune responses, they are not the defining characteristic of opsonization itself. The role of opsonization is crucial in facilitating the immune response, as it effectively marks the pathogens for destruction, enhancing the efficiency of phagocytosis.