FcγRIIB in autoimmunity and infection: evolutionary and therapeutic implications

KGC Smith, MR Clatworthy - Nature Reviews Immunology, 2010 - nature.com
KGC Smith, MR Clatworthy
Nature Reviews Immunology, 2010nature.com
FcγRIIB is the only inhibitory Fc receptor. It controls many aspects of immune and
inflammatory responses, and variation in the gene encoding this protein has long been
associated with susceptibility to autoimmune disease, particularly systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE). FcγRIIB is also involved in the complex regulation of defence against
infection. A loss-of-function polymorphism in FcγRIIB protects against severe malaria, the
investigation of which is beginning to clarify the evolutionary pressures that drive ethnic …
Abstract
FcγRIIB is the only inhibitory Fc receptor. It controls many aspects of immune and inflammatory responses, and variation in the gene encoding this protein has long been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). FcγRIIB is also involved in the complex regulation of defence against infection. A loss-of-function polymorphism in FcγRIIB protects against severe malaria, the investigation of which is beginning to clarify the evolutionary pressures that drive ethnic variation in autoimmunity. Our increased understanding of the function of FcγRIIB also has potentially far-reaching therapeutic implications, being involved in the mechanism of action of intravenous immunoglobulin, controlling the efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapy and providing a direct therapeutic target.
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