Molecular and Cellular Biology of Phagocytosis

Phagocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and destroy particulate matter, and it is essential for single-celled organisms, multicellular animals, and higher animals. Recent advances in genetic manipulation and single-cell imaging have revealed the underlying mechanism involved in phagocytosis, which has potential implications for human medicine. This volume aims to bring together recent fundamental advances in the field, with separate chapters written by major contributors in each area.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 189 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Phagocytosis is a vital cellular process that involves the ingestion of particulate matter by cells. It plays a crucial role in the survival and functioning of single-celled organisms such as amoeba, as well as in multicellular animals like coelenterates and higher animals. In humans and other mammals, specialized immune cells called phagocytes utilize phagocytosis to engulf and destroy invading microbes. Despite its importance, the underlying biophysics and biochemistry of phagocytosis have only recently been elucidated with the advent of genetic manipulation and advancements in single-cell imaging.

In this comprehensive volume, our aim is to bring together the latest fundamental advances that provide a clear understanding of the underlying mechanism involved in phagocytosis. Not only is this a significant topic in its own right, but a thorough understanding of the process has the potential to impact human medicine. As antibiotics become less effective in combating infections, researchers are exploring alternative approaches, including enhancing the "natural" immunity provided by immune phagocytes.

The volume will be organized into separate chapters, each written by leading experts in their respective fields. These chapters will cover identified recent advances in phagocytosis, providing a comprehensive overview of the field. We will emphasize the cell biological understanding of phagocytosis by combining biophysical approaches with biochemical and imaging techniques.

By bringing together the expertise of these contributors, we hope to provide a valuable resource for researchers, students, and clinicians interested in phagocytosis and its implications in health and disease.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030404086
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020