The scientific goal of this proposal is to elaborate on the specificity, uniqueness, and functional significance of an Fc-receptor for IgG on the human fetal intestinal surface, a potential entry site for antibodies and antigens into the human fetus. This receptor will be purified and characterized and the gene coding for this receptor will be cloned and related to other well-characterized Fc-R's responsible for immunity transfer and/or antigen presentation. The influence of known maturational agents on the expression of this receptor will be examined to gain insight into their potential role in modulating or preventing disease related to immaturity of the transfer process, and more generally, to immaturity of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier.
| Simister, N E; Jacobowitz Israel, E; Ahouse, J C et al. (1997) New functions of the MHC class I-related Fc receptor, FcRn. Biochem Soc Trans 25:481-6 |
| Israel, E J; Taylor, S; Wu, Z et al. (1997) Expression of the neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, on human intestinal epithelial cells. Immunology 92:69-74 |
| Israel, E J; Wilsker, D F; Hayes, K C et al. (1996) Increased clearance of IgG in mice that lack beta 2-microglobulin: possible protective role of FcRn. Immunology 89:573-8 |
| Israel, E J; Patel, V K; Taylor, S F et al. (1995) Requirement for a beta 2-microglobulin-associated Fc receptor for acquisition of maternal IgG by fetal and neonatal mice. J Immunol 154:6246-51 |
| Schiffrin, E J; Carter, E A; Walker, W A et al. (1993) Influence of prenatal corticosteroids on bacterial colonization in the newborn rat. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 17:271-5 |
