Regulation of allergy by Fc receptors

The aggregation of high-affinity IgE receptors (FcɛRI) on mast cells and basophils has long been known as the critical event that initiates allergic reactions. Monomeric IgE was recently found to induce a variety of effects when binding to FcɛRI. Upregulation of FcɛRI only requires binding, whereas other responses require FcɛRI aggregation. Interestingly, FcɛRI aggregation has recently been understood to generate a mixture of positive and negative intracellular signals. Mast cells and basophils also express low-affinity and, under specific conditions, high-affinity IgG receptors. When co-engaging these receptors with FcɛRI, IgG antibodies can amplify or dampen IgE-induced mast cell activation. On the basis of these findings, it has been proposed that FcRs can be used as targets and/or tools for new therapeutic approaches to allergies.