Cell surface receptor that transfers passive humoral immunity from the mother to the newborn. Binds to the Fc region of monomeric immunoglobulin gamma and mediates its selective uptake from milk (, ). IgG in the milk is bound at the apical surface of the intestinal epithelium. The resultant FcRn-IgG complexes are transcytosed across the intestinal epithelium and IgG is released from FcRn into blood or tissue fluids. Throughout life, contributes to effective humoral immunity by recycling IgG and extending its half-life in the circulation. Mechanistically, monomeric IgG binding to FcRn in acidic endosomes of endothelial and hematopoietic cells recycles IgG to the cell surface where it is released into the circulation . In addition of IgG, regulates homeostasis of the other most abundant circulating protein albumin/ALB (, ).
(Microbial infection) Acts as an uncoating receptor for a panel of echoviruses including Echovirus 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 25 and 29.
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane, Endosome membrane
Expressed in full-term placenta, heart, lung, liver, muscle, kidney, pancreas, and both fetal and adult small intestine.