Immunoregulatory roles for fc receptor-like molecules.

Fc receptor-like (FCRL) molecules comprise a family of imunoregulatory transmembrane proteins that are preferentially, but not exclusively expressed on B lineage cells. A strong regulatory potential on B cell activation has been characterized for the different FCRL proteins, but their biological roles are just beginning to be elucidated. We review recent advances in the understanding of FCRL1-6 expression and function, and indicate their potential roles in the pathogenesis of immunodeficiencies, lymphoid malignancies and autoimmune diseases.