opsonization

/ˌɑpsənɪˈzeɪʃən/
noun
  1. The process by which a foreign particle (such as a bacterium) is coated with antibodies or other proteins so that immune cells can more easily recognize and destroy it.
    • The efficiency of opsonization can vary depending on the type of pathogen.
    • Doctors study opsonization to develop better treatments for infections.
    • Opsonization helps the immune system target and eliminate harmful bacteria.