Immune regulation by Fcα/μ receptor (CD351) on marginal zone B cells and follicular dendritic cells

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Akira Shibuya1,2,3, Shin-ichiro Honda1

  • 1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.

Immunological Reviews
|October 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

The Fc-alpha/mu receptor (Fcα/μR) uniquely regulates immune responses by controlling IgM immune complexes and Toll-like receptor 4 signaling in B cells, impacting inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Fc-alpha/mu receptor (Fcα/μR) and polymeric Ig receptor (poly-IgR) are related Fc receptors for IgA and IgM.
  • Fcα/μR exhibits a unique expression profile, notably on marginal zone (MZ) B cells and follicular dendritic cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distinct role of Fcα/μR in humoral immunity and inflammation.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which Fcα/μR influences immune complex handling and B cell signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated Fcα/μR expression patterns.
  • Analyzed Fcα/μR-mediated endocytosis of IgM immune complexes (IC).
  • Examined Fcα/μR association with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its impact on TLR4 signaling.

Main Results:

  • Fcα/μR mediates IgM IC endocytosis, downregulating IgM IC retention on MZ B cells and follicular dendritic cells.
  • This endocytosis suppresses germinal center formation, affinity maturation, and memory B-cell generation in response to T-independent antigens.
  • Fcα/μR associates with TLR4, augmenting TLR4 signaling and proinflammatory cytokine production in MZ B cells upon lipopolysaccharide challenge.

Conclusions:

  • Fcα/μR is a unique Fc receptor involved in regulating humoral immune responses.
  • Fcα/μR plays a significant role in both suppressing adaptive immune responses and promoting inflammation via TLR4.
Keywords:
Fc receptorFcα/μ receptorIgAIgMfollicular dendritic cellsmarginal zone B cells

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