Complement-mediated phagocytosis--the role of Syk

Phagocytosis is a central event in the innate immune responses that are triggered by the association between ligands on the surface of pathogens and receptors on the membrane of phagocytes. Particularly, complement-mediated phagocytosis is accomplished by specific recognition of bound complement components by the corresponding complement receptors on the phagocytes. The protein-tyrosine kinase, Syk, plays a central role in Fcgamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis in the adaptive immune system. From recent studies using a macrophage-like differentiated cell line and serum-treated zymosan, it was found that Syk also plays an essential role in complement-mediated phagocytosis in innate immunity. Serum-treated zymosan particles promptly attached to the cells and were subsequently engulfed via complement receptor3. During this process, Syk became tyrosine-phosphorylated and accumulated around the nascent phagosomes. The transfer of Syk-siRNA or dominant-negative Syk (DN-Syk) into macrophages resulted in impaired engulfment of pathogen. Collectively, Syk is required for the engulfment of pathogen in complement-mediated phagocytosis.