Fcγ Receptor Function and the Design of Vaccination Strategies

Through specific interactions with distinct types of Fc gamma receptors (Fc gamma Rs), the Fc domain of immunoglobulin G (IgG) mediates a wide spectrum of immunological functions that influence both innate and adaptive responses. Recent studies indicate that IgG Fc-Fc gamma R interactions are dynamically regulated during an immune response through the control of the Fc-associated glycan structure and Ig subclass composition on the one hand and selective Fc gamma R expression on immune cells on the other, which together determine the capacity of IgG to interact in a cell-type-specific manner with specific members of the Fc gamma R family. Here, we present a framework that synthesizes the current understanding of the contribution of Fc gamma R pathways to the induction and regulation of antibody and T cell responses. Within this context, we discuss vaccination strategies to elicit broad and potent immune responses based on the immunomodulatory properties of Fc-Fc gamma R interactions.