Strong target cell attachment reduces macrophage eating and increases nibbling behavior

Macrophages preferentially trogocytose rather than phagocytose target cells in various models.

• Trogocytosis and phagocytosis in macrophages can be triggered by the same signals, including IgG antibodies.
• Macrophages showed a preference for trogocytosis of adherent cells in both 2D and 3D models.
• Disruption of target cell adhesion through integrin interference increased macrophage phagocytosis.
• Enhanced cell adhesion reduced the rate of phagocytosis in Raji B cell targets.
• Phagocytosis was significantly increased when target cells were arrested in mitosis, a state associated with lower adhesion.

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