Fc receptor

Fc receptor

Fc receptor (FcR) is a type of protein found on the surface of certain cells – including, among others, B lymphocytes, follicular dendritic cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, human platelets, and mast cells – that contribute to the protective functions of the immune system.

Pronunciation

The term "Fc receptor" is pronounced as "eff-see receptor".

Etymology

The term "Fc receptor" is derived from the "Fc" region of an antibody. The "Fc" stands for "Fragment, crystallizable". The Fc region of an antibody is a tail region that interacts with cell surface receptors called Fc receptors on phagocytes.

Function

Fc receptors bind to the Fc region of antibodies that are attached to infected cells or invading pathogens. Their activity stimulates phagocytic or cytotoxic cells to destroy microbes, or triggers mast cells and basophils to release chemicals like histamine that lead to an inflammatory response.

Types

There are several types of Fc receptors, which are classified based on the type of antibody that they interact with. These include Fc gamma R (FcγR), Fc alpha R (FcαR), Fc epsilon R (FcεR), and Fc mu R (FcμR).

Related Terms

• Antibody
• Immune system
• Protein
• Pathogen
• Phagocytosis
• Cytotoxicity
• Inflammation
• Histamine

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Fc receptor
• Wikipedia's article - Fc receptor

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