Constant region of immunoglobulin heavy chains. Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are membrane-bound or secreted glycoproteins produced by B lymphocytes. In the recognition phase of humoral immunity, the membrane-bound immunoglobulins serve as receptors which, upon binding of a specific antigen, trigger the clonal expansion and differentiation of B lymphocytes into immunoglobulins-secreting plasma cells. Secreted immunoglobulins mediate the effector phase of humoral immunity, which results in the elimination of bound antigens (, ). The antigen binding site is formed by the variable domain of one heavy chain, together with that of its associated light chain. Thus, each immunoglobulin has two antigen binding sites with remarkable affinity for a particular antigen. The variable domains are assembled by a process called V-(D)-J rearrangement and can then be subjected to somatic hypermutations which, after exposure to antigen and selection, allow affinity maturation for a particular antigen (, ).
Constant region of secreted IgE, also known as the Fc region of IgE antibody. Mediates IgE effector functions on myeloid and lymphoid cells primarily via two Fc receptors, the high-affinity IgE Fc receptor complex/FCER1A:MS4A2:FCGR1A and the low-affinity FCER2 receptor, which upon antigen/allergen cross-linking initiate signaling pathways that lead to immune cell activation and differentiation (  , ). Triggers the immediate hypersensitivity response to allergens as a host defense mechanism against helminth parasites, pathogenic bacteria and venom toxicity. When dysregulated, it can elicit harmful life-threatening allergic and anaphylactic reactions (  ). Stimulates the high-affinity IgE Fc receptor complex/FCER1A:MS4A2:FCGR1A on mast cells, basophils and eosinophils leading to secretion of vasoactive amines, lipid mediators and cytokines that contribute to inflammatory response, tissue remodeling and cytotoxicity against microbes ( ). On macrophages, cross-linking of FCER2 by IgE immune complexes induces intracellular killing of parasites through activation of L-Arginine-nitric oxide pathway . Activates macrophages to kill tumor cells via antigen-specific antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC). Triggers differentiation of quiescent M0 macrophages toward M1 state and reprograms M2 macrophages toward a proinflammatory state with antitumor functions . Stimulates FCER2 on B cells and initiates IgE-dependent antigen uptake and presentation to T cells .
Constant region of membrane-bound IgE (long mIgE), part of the B cell receptor complex (BCR). Upon antigen cross-linking triggers quick BCR signaling, ensuring survival of IgE-switched B cells and differentiation into plasma cells, thus regulating both primary and memory IgE responses.
Constant region of membrane-bound IgE (short mIgE), part of the B cell receptor complex (BCR). Upon antigen cross-linking initiates slower but sustained BCR signaling that negatively regulates mature B cell proliferation.
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Expressed in B lymphocytes stimulated with IL4 and CD40.