Early Phagosome:

Undergo fusion with endosomes, vesicles derived from the Golgi apparatus

Phagosome Acidification:

Proton pumps actively acidify the phagosome, transforming it into a late phagosome

Acidification is critical for the activation of enzymes

Fusion with Lysosomes:

Late phagosomes undergo fusion with lysosomes, specialized organelles containing various hydrolytic enzymes

Forms a phagolysosome

Enzymatic Digestion:

Enzymes within the phagolysosome, including proteases, nucleases, and lipases

Residual Body Formation:

Forms a residual body within the phagolysosome

Exocytosis or Antigen Presentation:

Processed antigens may be presented on the cell surface, initiating an adaptive immune response

Learn: Phagocytosis (Pathology)