During an immune response, what function do phagocytes perform?

Phagocytes play a crucial role in the immune response by performing the function of destroying pathogens through a process known as phagocytosis. During this process, phagocytes, which include types of white blood cells like macrophages and neutrophils, identify, engulf, and subsequently digest harmful organisms such as bacteria and viruses.

When a pathogen enters the body, phagocytes are among the first responders. They recognize these invaders, attach to them, and engulf them into a specially formed compartment within the phagocyte. Once inside, the pathogen is exposed to digestive enzymes that break it down, effectively neutralizing the threat it poses to the body. This action not only eliminates the pathogen but also helps to alert and activate other components of the immune system, leading to a coordinated attack against the infection.

Despite the other options mentioning important aspects of the immune response, they do not pertain directly to the primary function of phagocytes. Antibody production is handled by B cells, while inflammation is typically triggered by various immune signaling molecules and processes, and signaling other immune cells involves a variety of cell types and mechanisms, not solely the role of phagocytes.