Fc Receptors

The Fc receptors are transmembrane proteins typically classified based on the class of antibody they recognize. For instance, Fc gamma receptors bind IgG, Fc epsilon Receptors bind IgE and FcR alpha binds IgA and IgM. Fc receptors are expressed by a range of immune cell types where they bind the Fc region of antibodies and modulate immune-related functions such as phagocytosis, cytolytic activity, cellular activation, and the half-life of circulating antibodies. Fc receptors are important intermediaries between the cells expressing them and antibody antigen complexes that trigger these immune responses. Because of this role, an understanding of Fc receptor function is crucial for those developing immunotherapeutic antibodies.