Fc receptor targeting in the treatment of allergy, autoimmune diseases and cancer

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2008:640:220-33. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-09789-3_17.

Abstract

Fc receptors (FcRs) play an important role in the maintenance of an adequate activation threshold of various cells in antibody-mediated immune responses. Analyses of murine models show that the inhibitory FcR, FcyRIIB plays a pivotal role in the suppression of antibody-mediated allergy and autoimmunity. On the other hand, the activating-type FcRs are essential for the development of these diseases, suggesting that regulation of inhibitory or activating FcR is an ideal target for a therapeutic agent. Recent experimental or clinical studies also indicate that FcRs function as key receptors in the treatment with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) therapy. This review summarizes FcR functions and highlights possible FcR-targeting therapies including mAb therapies for allergy, autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / therapy*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Receptors, Fc / chemistry
  • Receptors, Fc / immunology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Fc