Phagocytes, killing mechanisms

Secreted antibody, in particular IgG, opsonizes antigenic material and in doing so promotes association (e.g. through Fey receptors) of the antigenic material with phagocyte membranes. Occupancy of the Fc receptor by the antibody also serves to activate a phagocyte s killing mechanisms. 

Mechanisms by which ozone might interfere with bactericidal function include an alteration in cell-membrane function that produces a loss in phagocytic ability and is perhaps mediated by lipid peroxides and a decrease in the ability of veolar macrophages to kill phagocytized bacteria. Leukocytes in general appear to have a multiplicity of mechanisms for destroying ingested bacteria. 

Figure 17.27 Summary of the mechanisms used by phagocytes to generate agents that kill phagocytosed pathogens. These are (i) formation of the superoxide radicals, (ii) formation of per-oxynitrite by interaction between nitric oxide and the superoxide radical, (iii) formation of hypochlorous acid by interaction between the superoxide radical and the chloride ion.

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