Herpes simplex virus type 1 Fc receptor protects infected cells from antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity

Recent studies indicate that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) Fc receptor (FcR) can bind antiviral immunoglobulin G by participating in antibody bipolar bridging. This occurs when the Fab domain of an immunoglobulin G molecule binds to its antigenic target and the Fc domain binds to the HSV-1 FcR. In experiments comparing cells infected with wild-type HSV-1 (NS) and cells infected with an FcR-deficient mutant (ENS), we demonstrate that participation of the HSV-1 FcR in antibody bipolar bridging reduces the effectiveness of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.