Science Signaling Podcast for 20 December 2016: Trans-inhibition by Fc receptors.

Abstract

This Podcast features an interview with Marc Daëron, author of a Research Article that appears in the 20 December 2016 issue of Science Signaling, about a mechanism by which an Fc receptor can inhibit signaling by other receptors without aggregating with those other receptors. Engagement of Fc receptors on basophils and mast cells can either activate these cells, which promotes autoimmune and allergic inflammation, or prevent these cells from being activated. Whether these cells are activated depends upon which Fc receptors are present in clusters, because some Fc receptors can inhibit signaling by other Fc receptors that are present in the same signalosome, a phenomenon known as cis-inhibition. Malbec et al. identified a mechanism whereby inhibitory Fc receptors limit signaling by activating Fc receptors without being present in the same signalosome. This mechanism of trans-inhibition also allowed inhibitory Fc receptors to limit signaling by growth factor receptors in mast cells and oncogene-induced proliferation in mastocytoma cells.Listen to Podcast.