[HTML][HTML] The FcεRIβ subunit functions as an amplifier of FcεRIγ-mediated cell activation signals

S Lin, C Cicala, AM Scharenberg, JP Kinet - Cell, 1996 - cell.com
S Lin, C Cicala, AM Scharenberg, JP Kinet
Cell, 1996cell.com
The high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) plays a central role in the initiation of allergic
responses. FcεRI is multimeric and is expressed as either αγ 2 trimers or αβγ 2 tetramers.
Recently, polymorphisms of the β chain gene have been associated with the development of
various allergic phenotypes. Until now, the role of β in FcεRI-dependent signaling was
largely unknown. For that reason, we compared the signaling characteristics of various wild-
type and mutant αγ 2 and αβγ 2 FcεRI complexes. These studies demonstrate that the γ …
Abstract
The high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) plays a central role in the initiation of allergic responses. FcεRI is multimeric and is expressed as either αγ2 trimers or αβγ2 tetramers. Recently, polymorphisms of the β chain gene have been associated with the development of various allergic phenotypes. Until now, the role of β in FcεRI-dependent signaling was largely unknown. For that reason, we compared the signaling characteristics of various wild-type and mutant αγ2 and αβγ2 FcεRI complexes. These studies demonstrate that the γ dimer functions as an autonomous activation module, while β functions as an amplifier that provides a gain of 5- to 7-fold, as measured by Syk activation and calcium mobilization.
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