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- Antibody effector functions Antibodies may be regarded as transducer molecules that relay a `message' to an effector system. The message is the presence of antigen in the form of specific immune complexes (antigen-antibody complexes). Cellular receptors specific for the Fc region of each of the antibody classes (Fc RECEPTORS) have been reported on a variety of cells. Those expressed on T CELLS are thought to be involved in immune regulation but they are structurally and functionally poorly defined. Also ill defined is the placental Fc receptor that facilitates specific transport of IgG from the mother to the foetus. By contrast Fc receptors expressed on leukocytes are well defined and characterized. There are three Fc receptors for human IgG, distinguished by the preferred notation huFcgRI, huFcgRII, and huFcgRIII (hu standing for human); receptors for IgE and IgA are similarly referred to as huFceRI, huFceRII, and huFcaR respectively. Interactions of antigen-antibody complexes with Fc receptors on macrophages may activate the release of proteolytic enzymes, reactive oxygen species and phagocytosis (see ENDOCYTOSIS). Complexes of antigen with IgG, IgM or IgA may activate COMPLEMENT through one or both of two pathways; the classical pathway initiated by the activation of C1 and the alternative pathway initiated by the activation of C3. The ensuing cascade of reactions may result in the release of inflammatory mediators, phagocytosis via complement receptors, lysis of sensitized cells or bacteria by the production of holes in their membranes etc. The interaction site for the first component of complement, C1, has been mapped to the Fc region of IgG and IgM isotypes.
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