Antibodies are crucial to the fine specificity of the immune system. An effective functioning of these molecules requires interaction with immune cells. Receptors for antibodies, Fc receptors, provide this critical link between the humoral and cellular branches of the immune system. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the different Fc receptors currently recognized. The first part of the book contains state-of-the-art overviews on the biological role of FcR. The latest information on FcR heterogeneity, FcR physiology, FcR-ligand recognition, their crucial coordinating role in immunity, interactions with other immunoreceptors, and the role of FcR in immunoglobulin transport and catabolism are discussed. The clinical importance of FcR is developed in the second part of the book. The well-recognized roles of FcR in allergy, inflammation, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and immunotherapeutic importance are reviewed. The information in this book is easily accessible and should be helpful for researchers and clinical specialists as a convenient overview of the field, as well as a comprehensive introduction for students starting in this area of research.

Inhalt
1 Introduction to the field.- A: Physiological role of Fc receptors.- General aspects of FcR.- 2 Molecular basis for the interaction of Fc receptors with immunoglobulins.- 3 Fc receptor genetics and the manipulation of genes in the study of FcR biology.- 4 Commentary.- FcR and Ig-transport/catabolism.- 5 The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor.- 6 Multiple roles of FcRn.- 7 Commentary: The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor and the Brambell receptor: non-haematopoietic FcRs, with much to compare.- FcR and Cell activation.- 8 Signals initiated by the high affinity FcR for IgE.- 9 Phagocyte Fc receptors for IgG.- 10 Human IgA Fc receptors (Fc?R).- 11 Platelet Fc receptors for IgG and IgE.- 12 Polymorphisms of Fc?RIIIa on NK cells and macrophages.- 13 Cooperation between IgG Fc receptors and complement receptors in host defence.- 14 Commentary.- FcR and immunoregulation.- 15 Fc?R and IgG-mediated negative regulation of immune responses.- 16 Fc?R on T cells.- 17 Role of IgG and IgE FcR in antigen presentation.- 18 Structure and function of CD23.- 19 Commentary on FcR regulation of development and function of the immune system.- B: Clinical aspects of Fc receptors.- 20 The role and use of recombinant receptors in the investigation and control of antibody-induced inflammation.- 21 FcR and autoimmunity.- 22 Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia as a model for Fc?RII-mediated disease.- 23 Fc?receptor polymorphisms: clinical aspects.- 24 Soluble Fc?R, a biological perspective.- 25 Fc?R-directed immunotherapies.- 26 The rewards of conversion to 'FcRism'.- 27 Fc receptors: historical perspectives and a look to the future.