Structure and Function of Receptors for IgG (FcgammaR)

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This reasearch project is attempting to understand one of the most important mechanisms of resistance to infectious disease and one of the most important mechanisms of induction of destructive inflammation in autoimmune disease. These studies will define how blood proteins called antibodies, antibodies bind to the surface of white blood cells via proteins called Fc receptors that activate these white blood cells. Under normal circumstances this system provides resistance to infection but is involved in some of the most debilitating diseases, including allergies, bleeding disorders called thrombocytopoenias, inflammation of blood vessels, vasculitis, as well as aspects of rheumatoid arthritis. The successful conclusion of this project will result in knowledge that will enable the development of more effective and highly specific therapeutic approaches to the treatment of disease and a better understanding of the functioning of the immune system.