Phagocytosis Assay

Phagocytosis assay kits are available from several suppliers to measure the phagocytic activity of cells. Phagocytosis is a form of endocytosis used by cells as a defense mechanism against invading pathogens, to clear cell debris, and for nutrient uptake. Phagocytosis assay kits often employ heat-killed pathogens such as E. coli to induce phagocytosis. The pathogens have fluorescent labels and can therefore be detected in phagosomes through flow cytometry, spectrophotometry, or fluorescent microscopy. Phagocytosis assay kits can be used to study activators and inhibitors of phagocytosis, the efficiency of phagocytosis, and the phagocytic activity of cells against particular pathogens. Visit the phagocytosis assay kit suppliers for more details, including kit components.