FcR γ chain deletion results in pleiotrophic effector cell defects

The γ subunit of immunoglobulin Fc receptors is an essential component of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) and the low-affinity receptor for IgG (FcγRIII) and is associated with the high-affinity receptor for IgG (FcγRI) and the T cell receptor-CD3 complex. It is required for both receptor assembly and signal transduction. Targeted disruption of this subunit results in immunocompromised mice. Activated macrophages from γ chain-deficient mice unexpectedly lack the ability to phagocytose antibody-coated particles, despite normal binding. Defects in NK cell-mediated antibody-dependent cytotoxicity and mast cell-mediated allergic responses are evident in these animals, establishing the indispensable role of FcRs in these responses. However, loss of γ chain does not appear to perturb T cell development, since both thymic and peripheral T cell populations appear normal. These mice thus represent an important tool for evaluating the role of these receptors in humoral and cellular immune responses.