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Targeting the neonatal Fc receptor ( FcRn ) to treat autoimmune diseases and maternal‐fetal immune cytopenias
Author(s) -
Wyckoff Sarah L.,
Hudson Krystalyn E.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.16341
Subject(s) - immune system , immunology , fetus , neonatal fc receptor , receptor , antibody , medicine , pregnancy , immunoglobulin g , biology , genetics
Key Ideas FcRn, a non‐classical Fc gamma (γ) receptor (FcγR) with near ubiquitous expression, plays key roles in disease pathogenesis and progression though immunoglobulin G (IgG) transport, IgG recycling, and IgG‐immune complex clearance. FcRn function can be inhibited using IgG‐based and non‐IgG‐based antagonists, by exploiting the pH‐dependent binding affinity of FcRn for the IgG Fc region. FcRn therapeutics have shown promise in murine models and human clinical trials for autoimmune diseases and maternal‐fetal immune cytopenias; they appear safe, well‐tolerated, and reduce circulating IgG levels. Compared to traditional therapeutics, inhibiting FcRn has fewer adverse side effects and represents a new approach that is less invasive, time‐consuming, and costly.