The role of Fc receptors and complement in autoimmunity

Abstract

Autoantibodies interact with the innate immune system, including the complement network and Fc receptors (FcRs) bearing effector cells, resulting in the induction of tissue injury. It was suggested that these two pro-inflammatory pathways might mediate distinct effector responses, and that only one or the other effector arm may usually dominate an inflammatory response. Recent studies, however, support the notion that autoantibody-induced tissue injury may depend on both, FcRs and selected pathways of the complement network. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the interactions between autoantibodies, FcRs and complement components as essential triggers of tissue injury in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis and subepidermal blistering diseases. Manipulation of these connective pathways might be of therapeutic use to control antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.