This document describes a protocol for evaluation of nanoparticle effects on the phagocyticfunction of immune cells. Phagocytosis is a receptor-mediated endocytosis peculiar to the phagocytic cells, e.g. cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS). Phagocytosis is an active process and requires actin polymerization. There are four primary receptors which mediate phagocytic uptake. Phagocytosis via three of these receptors (complement receptor (CR), FcγR receptor, and mannose receptor (MR)) is accompanied by inflammatory reactions (cytokine secretion). Phagocytosis via the fourth receptor (scavenger receptor (SR)) is not accompanied by inflammatory responses.
