Abstract
The phagocytic leukocytes form the first line of defense against invading pathogens. They find their targets by chemotaxis, a process in which the phagocytes sense the concentration gradients of chemotactic factors released in the vicinity of invading pathogens, and migrate toward their source. Once the phagocytes encounter the targets, phagocytosis begins. During phagocytosis, the phagocytic leukocytes release the lysosomal enzymes, the free radicals of oxygen, and the metabolites of arachidonic acid. These biologically active compounds affect and modulate the inflammatory process. It is the purpose of this article to review the recent advances in this field.
