Question

An individual is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria infect macrophages in the lungs, where it survives and reproduces intracellularly. What is the most likely mechanism the infected macrophages will use to combat the invading bacteria?

Answer 1

Phagolysosomal fusion

Step-by-step explanation:

Macrophages ingest the bacteria through a process called phagocytosis. The phagosome undergoes a series of acidification steps where it fuses with endosomal compartments and encounters bactericidal and antigen processing molecules. Ultimately, it will fuse with the lysosome (phagolysosomal fusion) where it encounters more acidification, hydrolases and bactericidal molecules which may kill the bacteria.