The role of Fcγ receptors in atherosclerosis

Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2012 Jun;237(6):609-16. doi: 10.1258/ebm.2012.011373. Epub 2012 Jun 11.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is widely considered to be an immune-mediated process. Fcγ receptors (Fcγ Rs) contribute to the regulation of a multitude of immune and inflammatory responses and are implicated in human atherosclerotic lesions. Major cell types involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis express Fcγ Rs and their proatherogenic ligands such as immune complexes and C-reactive protein, which act to activate Fcγ R signaling pathways. This review summarizes recent significant progress addressing the multifaceted roles of Fcγ Rs in atherogenesis which comes from the studies of Fcγ R-deficient animal models, clinical investigations and in vitro molecular and cellular studies. These new findings help us appreciate the emerging role of Fcγ Rs in atherosclerosis, and suggest Fcγ Rs as a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apolipoproteins E / deficiency
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Atherosclerosis / epidemiology
  • Atherosclerosis / genetics
  • Atherosclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics
  • Receptors, IgG / deficiency
  • Receptors, IgG / genetics
  • Receptors, IgG / physiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Receptors, IgG