A theoretical model of efficient phagocytosis driven by curved membrane proteins and active cytoskeleton forces.

ABSTRACT: Phagocytosis is the process of engulfment and internalization of comparatively large particles by cells, and plays a central role in the functioning of our immune system. We study the process of phagocytosis by considering a simplified coarse grained model of a three-dimensional vesicle, having a uniform adhesion interaction with a rigid particle, and containing curved membrane-bound protein complexes or curved membrane nano-domains, which in turn recruit active cytoskeletal forces. Complete engulfment is achieved when the bending energy cost of the vesicle is balanced by the gain in the adhesion energy. The presence of curved (convex) proteins reduces the bending energy cost by self-organizing with a higher density at the highly curved leading edge of the engulfing membrane, which forms t

SUBMITTER: Sadhu RK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10078962 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature