Unraveling the mission of FcepsilonRI on antigen-presenting cells

A decade ago, the discovery of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcϵRI) on epidermal Langerhans cells documented the end of the dogma that FcϵRI is only expressed on effector cells of anaphylaxis. Since then, the functional significance of this receptor on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) has been an area of intense research work. Scientists have focused on a better understanding of the molecular structure, regulation, and role of FcϵRI on APCs in the human immune system. Insights into the cellular events linked to the activation of APCs on ligation of FcϵRI by IgE and allergens might provide the basis for new aspects in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases and the design of future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This review is dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the discovery of FcϵRI on APCs and describes the numerous areas of research in this field. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;111:38-44.)