FEATURES

FAMILY

DESCRIPTION

Also known as FCGRN_MACFA, FCGRT, FCRN. Cell surface receptor that transfers passive humoral immunity from the mother to the newborn. Binds to the Fc region of monomeric immunoglobulin gamma and mediates its selective uptake from milk. IgG in the milk is bound at the apical surface of the intestinal epithelium. The resultant FcRn-IgG complexes are transcytosed across the intestinal epithelium and IgG is released from FcRn into blood or tissue fluids. Throughout life, contributes to effective humoral immunity by recycling IgG and extending its half-life in the circulation. Mechanistically, monomeric IgG binding to FcRn in acidic endosomes of endothelial and hematopoietic cells recycles IgG to the cell surface where it is released into the circulation. In addition of IgG, regulates homeostasis of the other most abundant circulating protein albumin/ALB. FcRn complex consists of two subunits: p51, and p14 which is equivalent to beta-2-microglobulin. It forms an MHC class I-like heterodimer (By similarity). Interacts with albumin/ALB; this interaction regulates ALB homeostasis (By similarity).

EXTERNAL LINKS

FCGRT

IgG receptor FcRn large subunit p51

FCGRT

Molecular Synopsis