Phagocytosis is a fundamental biological process in the immune system whereby phagocytic cells eliminate pathogens and apoptotic cells. This mechanism plays a central role in ensuring the effectiveness of innate immunity and in activating the antigen recognition and response processes of acquired immunity. This review discusses the importance of phagocytosis in the immune system, its molecular mechanisms, associated disorders, relationship with immunodeficiencies, and its role in vaccine design. In this context, a deeper understanding of phagocytosis may contribute both to improved approaches for the treatment of immunodeficiencies and to the development of next-generation vaccines and immunotherapies.
Keywords: Adaptive immunity; Antigen presentation; Apoptosis; Immunodeficiencies; Innate immunity; Phagocytosis; Receptors; Vaccine development.
© 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.