| FcRN present in the intestinal epithelium of neonatal mice and rats mediates the selective uptake of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in mothers' milk, thereby helping newborn animals to acquire passive immunity. FcRn (also designated FCGRT, Brambell receptor, FcRn å chain, IgG Gc receptor and neonatal Fc-receptor) is comprised of a heavy chain and ∫-2-Microglobulin. FcRn heavy chain shows approximately 35% amino acid identity to an MHC class I molecule. FcRN localizes in endosomes of vascular endothelial cells and selectively recycles IgG to the cell surface, thus protecting IgG from lysosomal catabolism. This protection mechanism is a major constituent for ensuring IgG are the longest lived of all plasma proteins. |
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