How does entosis differ from other types of cell engulfment?

Entosis differs from other types of cell engulfment in various different ways. Phagocytosis is driven by cytoskeletal rearrangements within the host cell, and functions following signals being released by the target cell. During phagocytosis, non-viable, dying, or pathogenic cells become engulfed. In contrast, during entosis, cells are found inside nonphagocytic hosts and become internalized as viable cells. Entosis is a specific type of cell engulfment during which one living cell engulfs and digests another. In entosis, the rearrangement of cell-cell adhesion molecules are used to engulf the target cell. An entotic vacuole is formed within the host cell, where the target cell is enclosed following engulfment. In contrast, phagocytosis and macropinocytosis involve the use of pseudopodia by the engulfing cell to ingest extracellular particles. Physiologically, entosis is involved in promoting competition between cells, and the elimination of dead cells outside of their normal microenvironment. In contrast, phagocytosis plays a significant role in the immune system by destroying pathogens.