What do phagocytes do in the immune response?

Phagocytes play a crucial role in the immune response by engulfing pathogens, which includes bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles. When these immune cells detect harmful microorganisms, they surround and ingest them through a process called phagocytosis. This process not only helps to eliminate pathogens from the body but also allows the phagocyte to present pieces of the ingested pathogens (antigens) on their surface. This antigen presentation is essential for activating other components of the immune system, such as T cells, which further enhance the immune response. By directly attacking and consuming pathogens, phagocytes serve as one of the body's first lines of defense against infections.