Anti-inflammatory activity of immunoglobulin G resulting from Fc sialylation

Y Kaneko, F Nimmerjahn, JV Ravetch - science, 2006 - science.org
science, 2006science.org
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) mediates pro-and anti-inflammatory activities through the
engagement of its Fc fragment (Fc) with distinct Fcg receptors (FcgRs). One class of Fc-FcgR
interactions generates pro-inflammatory effects of immune complexes and cytotoxic
antibodies. In contrast, therapeutic intravenous gamma globulin and its Fc fragments are anti-
inflammatory. We show here that these distinct properties of the IgG Fc result from differential
sialylation of the Fc core polysaccharide. IgG acquires anti-inflammatory properties upon Fc …
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) mediates pro- and anti-inflammatory activities through the engagement of its Fc fragment (Fc) with distinct Fcg receptors (FcgRs). One class of Fc-FcgR interactions generates pro-inflammatory effects of immune complexes and cytotoxic antibodies. In contrast, therapeutic intravenous gamma globulin and its Fc fragments are anti-inflammatory. We show here that these distinct properties of the IgG Fc result from differential sialylation of the Fc core polysaccharide. IgG acquires anti-inflammatory properties upon Fc sialylation, which is reduced upon the induction of an antigen-specific immune response. This differential sialylation may provide a switch from innate anti-inflammatory activity in the steady state to generating adaptive pro-inflammatory effects upon antigenic challenge.
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