FCGR1B

FCGR1B is a gene that encodes a protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. This protein is a low-affinity receptor for the Fc portion of IgG antibodies, playing a role in the immune system's response to pathogens and in the regulation of inflammatory processes. The protein encoded by FCGR1B is specifically known as Fc gamma receptor IB. It is typically found on the surface of various immune cells, including phagocytes like macrophages and neutrophils, as well as dendritic cells.

The primary function of Fc gamma receptor IB is to bind to IgG antibodies that have already attached to a target, such as a bacterium or virus. This binding event triggers downstream signaling pathways within the immune cell, leading to a range of cellular responses. These responses can include phagocytosis, the engulfment and destruction of the target particle, or the release of inflammatory mediators that recruit other immune cells to the site of infection or injury.

Variations in the FCGR1B gene have been associated with differences in an individual's susceptibility to certain diseases and their response to therapies, particularly those involving antibody-mediated mechanisms. Research into FCGR1B continues to explore its precise roles in both innate and adaptive immunity, as well as its involvement in autoimmune diseases and cancer.