Association of the human Fc epsilon RI gamma subunit with novel cell surface polypeptides

It has recently been demonstrated that the gamma-subunits of the high affinity Fc epsilon RI are required for the cell surface expression of not only the Fc epsilon RI alpha-subunit, but also for the low affinity Fc gamma RIIIA alpha (CD16). In addition, formation of heterodimeric complexes of the gamma-subunit with the zeta- and eta-chains of the TCR have also been reported. The exact role of the gamma-subunit in the function of these receptors is not known. To gain additional insight into the association of the gamma-subunit with these and other cell surface polypeptides, we have generated a mAb, 4D8, directed against the human Fc epsilon RI gamma-subunit. Using this antibody we have been able to demonstrate that Fc epsilon RI alpha and Fc gamma RIIIA alpha are associated with Fc epsilon RI gamma at the cell surface. Furthermore, we have identified the expression of Fc epsilon RI gamma in HL60 and U937 cells, which are negative for the TCR, Fc epsilon RI, and Fc gamma RIII. Analysis of these cells reveals the presence of novel Fc epsilon RI gamma-associated polypeptides. These results suggest that Fc epsilon RI gamma plays a common functional role in a number of different receptor complexes. The availability of the anti-gamma antibody 4D8 will help to define this role, and allow the characterization of cell surface polypeptides that are associated with the Fc epsilon RI gamma-subunit.