Regulation of allergy by Fc receptors

Curr Opin Immunol. 2005 Dec;17(6):662-9. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2005.09.012. Epub 2005 Oct 7.

Abstract

The aggregation of high-affinity IgE receptors (FcepsilonRI) on mast cells and basophils has long been known as the critical event that initiates allergic reactions. Monomeric IgE was recently found to induce a variety of effects when binding to FcepsilonRI. Upregulation of FcepsilonRI only requires binding, whereas other responses require FcepsilonRI aggregation. Interestingly, FcepsilonRI aggregation has recently been understood to generate a mixture of positive and negative intracellular signals. Mast cells and basophils also express low-affinity and, under specific conditions, high-affinity IgG receptors. When co-engaging these receptors with FcepsilonRI, IgG antibodies can amplify or dampen IgE-induced mast cell activation. On the basis of these findings, it has been proposed that FcRs can be used as targets and/or tools for new therapeutic approaches to allergies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basophils / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / drug therapy
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin E / metabolism
  • Mast Cells / immunology
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Fc / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Fc / physiology*
  • Receptors, IgE / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, IgE / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Receptors, Fc
  • Receptors, IgE
  • Immunoglobulin E