Multiple pathogen antigens and immune Fc receptors

The concept of Multiple pathogen antigens and immune Fc receptors refers to a therapeutic framework where the immune system is directed to eliminate infectious agents by bridging pathogen-specific proteins with host immune cells. Pathogen antigens are diverse molecules, such as the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 or toxins from Clostridioides difficile, that serve as targets for recognition (Casadevall, A., et al., 2004, Nature Reviews Microbiology). Immune Fc receptors (FcRs), including FCGR1A, FCGR2A, and FCGR3A, are expressed on cells like natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, and they bind the constant region of antibodies (Nimmerjahn, F., & Ravetch, J. V., 2008, Nature Reviews Immunology). When a therapeutic antibody binds both a pathogen antigen and an Fc receptor, it facilitates effector functions such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) to clear the infection (Tay, M. Z., et al., 2020, Nature Reviews Immunology). This dual-targeting approach is the basis for many monoclonal antibody therapies and immunoglobulin treatments used to combat viral and bacterial diseases. However, the efficacy of this interaction can be influenced by genetic polymorphisms in the host's Fc receptors and the potential for antibody-dependent enhancement, where sub-neutralizing antibodies facilitate viral entry into host cells.

Other names

Pathogen antigen-Fc receptor complexAntibody-mediated pathogen-effector cell bridgePAMP-FcR axis

Therapeutic antibodies bind to specific pathogen antigens via their Fab regions and simultaneously engage Fc receptors on immune effector cells via their Fc regions to trigger pathogen clearance.