Fragment crystallizable region

The Fragment crystallizable region (Fc region) is the tail region of an antibody that interacts with cell surface receptors called Fc receptors and some proteins of the complement system. This property allows antibodies to activate the immune system. The term "Fc" is derived from "Fragment, crystallizable" which describes the region's properties in solution.

Pronunciation

Fragment: /ˈfræɡmənt/
Crystallizable: /ˌkrɪstəˈlaɪzəbəl/
Region: /ˈriːdʒən/

Etymology

The term "Fragment crystallizable region" is derived from the fact that this part of the antibody can be crystallized due to its stable and highly conserved nature. The term "region" refers to the specific part of the antibody where this crystallizable fragment is located.

Related Terms

Antibody: A protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens.
Receptor: A protein molecule that receives chemical signals from outside a cell.
Fc receptor: A protein found on the surface of certain cells – including, among others, B cells, 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.
Complement system: A part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells from an organism, promotes inflammation, and attacks the pathogen's cell membrane.
Immune system: A complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and the substances they make that helps the body fight infections and other diseases.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Fragment crystallizable region
Wikipedia's article - Fragment crystallizable region

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Fragment crystallizable region