What is the main role of opsonins in the immune response?

The primary function of opsonins in the immune response is to enhance phagocytosis. Opsonins are molecules, such as antibodies and complement proteins, that bind to the surface of pathogens and mark them for destruction by phagocytic cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils. This process facilitates the recognition and ingestion of these pathogens, effectively making them easier targets for the immune cells to engulf and eliminate.

When opsonins coat pathogens, they create a stronger attraction between the pathogen and the phagocyte. Phagocytes have specific receptors that recognize and bind to the opsonins, thus promoting a more efficient and effective engulfment. This mechanism is crucial for clearing infections, especially by encapsulated bacteria that may otherwise evade phagocytosis.

In this context, the other options do not directly describe the primary role of opsonins. While T cell activation, antibody production, and inflammation are important components of the immune response, they do not pertain to the specific function of opsonins in enhancing the process of phagocytosis.