Fc receptors for immunoglobulin G - a role in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barre syndrome and multiple sclerosis

Receptors for the Fc part of IgG (Fc gammaR) constitute a family of cell-su rface molecules expressed on almost every cell of the immune system. They a re also present on non-lymphoid cells such as Schwann cells and endothelial cells. By linking humoral and cell-mediated responses, Fc gammaR are key i n defending against pathogens. Polymorphisms in some Fc gammaR genes are as sociated with infectious and autoimmune diseases. It was found recently tha t certain Fc gamma RIIA and Fc gamma RIIIB allotypes are correlated with th e disease course of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and multiple sclerosis (M S), This may imply that clearance of circulating autoantibodies and immune complexes is important in the pathogenesis of these diseases. (C) 2001 Publ ished by Elsevier Science B.V.