Abstract
BackgroundWe investigated the genetics of Fc receptors, which function as activating receptors on immune cells and help to control HIV through antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity. Thus, Fc receptors may be important for virus immunity but might also promote immune hyperactivation that would enhance infection.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe measured abundance of low and high activity alleles in two Fc receptor genes, FCGR2A and FCGR3A, for persons with HIV disease, natural virus suppressors (HIV+, without disease) and healthy controls to show whether genotypes were associated with infection and disease. Individuals homozygous for the high activity allele of FCGR3A (158VV) were predominantly found among HIV progressors and this group was also skewed toward higher allele frequencies for the V158 variant. Both of the HIV positive groups (progressors and natural virus suppressors) had significantly higher frequencies of the V158 allele compared with uninfected controls. There were no apparent associations among FCGR2A alleles and HIV status.Conclusions/SignificanceOur results indicate that high activity alleles of FCGR3A may be risk factors for HIV infection or progression and we need to understand how allelic variants affect the balance between virus control and immune activation.
Highlights
The Fc receptors are a family of cell surface glycoproteins, which bind the constant regions (Fc) of soluble antibodies
Fc receptors help control the half life of circulating immunoglobulins by targeting bound antibodies to phagocytic or transport vesicles and participate in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or antibody-dependent cellular viral inhibition (ADCVI), a mechanism wherein FCR-dependent cell activation increases the production of chemokines that block HIV infection [2]
The V158 allele was associated with an increased risk of HIV infection
Summary
The Fc receptors are a family of cell surface glycoproteins, which bind the constant regions (Fc) of soluble antibodies. They are implicated in diverse mechanisms of immune regulation. Fc receptors help control the half life of circulating immunoglobulins by targeting bound antibodies to phagocytic or transport vesicles and participate in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or antibody-dependent cellular viral inhibition (ADCVI), a mechanism wherein FCR-dependent cell activation increases the production of chemokines that block HIV infection [2]. We investigated the genetics of Fc receptors, which function as activating receptors on immune cells and help to control HIV through antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity. Fc receptors may be important for virus immunity but might promote immune hyperactivation that would enhance infection
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
