FCER1A
Description
The FCER1A (Fc epsilon receptor Ia) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
The FCER1A gene encodes the alpha subunit of the high affinity IgE receptor, a protein central to allergic responses. This receptor, when crosslinked by IgE bound to allergens, triggers the release of histamine, proteases, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes from mast cells, leading to the immediate hypersensitivity response characteristic of allergies. The receptor is a trimer composed of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits, with only the alpha subunit being glycosylated.
The FCER1A gene encodes the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin epsilon (IgE), which plays a crucial role in mediating IgE effector functions in myeloid cells. Upon binding of IgE and subsequent cross-linking by antigens or allergens, FCER1A initiates signaling pathways that activate and differentiate myeloid cells. In mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils, FCER1A triggers the release of vasoactive amines, lipid mediators, and cytokines, contributing to inflammatory responses, tissue remodeling, and cytotoxicity against microbes. This receptor acts as a host defense mechanism against helminth parasites, pathogenic bacteria, and venom toxicity, eliciting an immediate hypersensitivity response to allergens. However, dysregulation of FCER1A can lead to harmful, life-threatening allergic and anaphylactic reactions.
FCER1A is also known as FCE1A, FCERIA, FcERI.
Associated Diseases
- asthma
- Bartsocas-Papas syndrome 1
- neutrophil immunodeficiency syndrome
- neutropenia, severe congenital, 1, autosomal dominant
- osteoarthritis
- COVID-19
- combined immunodeficiency due to moesin deficiency
- platelet-type von Willebrand disease
