What is the name of the process by which phagocytic cells are attracted to a substance such as a bacterial peptide?

The process by which phagocytic cells are attracted to substances, such as bacterial peptides, is called chemotaxis. During chemotaxis, cells move toward chemical signals in their environment – in this case, the chemical signals released by bacteria or the immune response to infection. These signals can include various peptides, proteins, or metabolites that indicate the presence of infection or injury, prompting immune cells to migrate to the site of infection.

This movement is vital for the immune response, as it ensures that phagocytic cells, like neutrophils and macrophages, are directed toward areas where they are needed most to engulf and destroy pathogens, thereby helping to limit the spread of infection and promote healing.

Other terms, while related to different aspects of the immune response, do not describe this specific process of attraction. For example, diapedesis refers to the movement of blood cells out of the circulatory system and into the tissues, typically during inflammation. Degranulation is the process by which cells such as mast cells and basophils release their granule contents, which contain various mediators that facilitate the immune response. The term "pahotaxis" is not commonly recognized in this context and does not describe any known immunological process