Fcγ receptor biology and systemic lupus erythematosus

The maintenance of immune homeostasis and the regulation of pro-inflammatory responses that underlie autoimmune pathology require a coordinated interplay between cytokines, cellular receptors and downstream signaling pathways. The family of fragment crystallizable receptors for immunoglobulin G (IgG) (Fc gammaR) represents a good example of how controlling the simultaneous triggering of activatory and/or inhibitory receptors results in a balanced immune response. Fc gammaRs play a crucial role in linking the antibody-mediated recognition of pathogens, allergens or auto-antigens to the cellular arm of the immune response. In this review, we detail how dysfunction in Fc gammaR pathways is linked to the development of the autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus.