FCAR

FCAR (Ficolin-1 Receptor) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FCAR gene. FCAR is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is a receptor for the ficolin family of proteins, which are a group of lectins involved in the innate immune system.

Structure

The FCAR gene is located on chromosome 19 in humans. The protein encoded by this gene is a transmembrane receptor that is expressed on the surface of myeloid cells. The FCAR protein has two extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains, a transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail.

Function

FCAR is a receptor for the ficolin family of proteins. Ficolins are a group of lectins that recognize and bind to specific sugar structures on the surface of pathogens. This binding triggers the activation of the complement system, a part of the immune system that helps to clear pathogens from the body.

The FCAR receptor is thought to play a role in the recognition of pathogens by the immune system and in the activation of the complement system. It may also be involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the FCAR gene or its protein product have been associated with susceptibility to certain infectious diseases, including bacterial infections and viral infections. In addition, variations in the FCAR gene have been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

See also

• Ficolin
• Immunoglobulin superfamily
• Complement system
• Innate immune system