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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Functional Characterization of Regulatory Macrophages That Inhibit Graft-reactive Immunity
Published on: June 7, 2017
Molecular cloning of F4/80-like-receptor, a seven-span membrane protein expressed differentially by dendritic cell
I Caminschi1, K M Lucas, M A O'Keeffe
1Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, PO Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3050, Australia. caminschi@wehi.edu.au
Abstract:
A novel dendritic cell (DC) surface molecule termed F4/80-like-receptor (FIRE) has been selected based on its differential expression between DC subsets. The gene encoding FIRE has been cloned and sequenced, and mAbs specific for FIRE have been produced. FIRE is a seven-transmembrane-spanning molecule with two epidermal growth factor-like domains in the extracellular region. It is a novel member of the epidermal growth factor/transmembrane-7 protein subfamily and shows similarity to the macrophage marker F4/80. FIRE is expressed by CD8- DC, but not by CD8+ DC, and it is down-regulated on DC activation. It is expressed by blood monocytes and by some tissue macrophages, but not by most macrophage cell lines or by lymphoid cells. FIRE is a useful marker of myeloid cells with a DC developmental potential.
Insights
Researchers identified a novel dendritic cell (DC) surface molecule, F4/80-like-receptor (FIRE). FIRE is a useful marker for myeloid cells with DC developmental potential, distinguishing specific DC subsets.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial immune regulators.
- Identifying specific markers aids in understanding DC subsets and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel surface molecule on dendritic cells.
- To determine the utility of this molecule as a marker for myeloid cells with DC developmental potential.
Main Methods:
- Gene cloning and sequencing of the novel molecule.
- Production of specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
- Analysis of differential expression across immune cell types.
Main Results:
- A novel molecule, F4/80-like-receptor (FIRE), was identified.
- FIRE is a seven-transmembrane-spanning protein, a novel member of the EGF/TM7 subfamily.
- FIRE expression is specific to CD8- DCs, monocytes, and some macrophages, and is downregulated upon DC activation.
Conclusions:
- FIRE is a novel and valuable marker for identifying myeloid cells with dendritic cell developmental potential.
- FIRE expression patterns provide insights into DC subset heterogeneity and myeloid cell differentiation.
