The human FcR. III. Effects of pronase on soluble immune complex binding by polymorphonuclear leucocytes, monocytes and pulmonary macrophages.

The effect of Pronase incubation on the Fc receptors of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN), monocytes and pulmonary alveolar macrophages was evaluated by Scatchard analysis of the binding of soluble immune complexes at equilibrium. All three cell types, when preincubated with Pronase, demonstrated a significant increase in Fc receptor affinity. Maximum binding (which measures the number of Fc receptors) on polymorphonuclear leucocytes was reduced 45%-50% but was unchanged on monocytes and pulmonary macrophages. The changes in Fc receptor affinity and maximum binding of the PMN were reversible in short-term culture, an effect which was prevented by cycloheximide. These studies indicate that the affinity of the Fc receptor of human phagocytic cells may change significantly independent of changes in receptor number and that this effect can be caused by extracellular proteases. In addition, the human polymorphonuclear leucocyte demonstrates a subpopulation of Fc receptors which is decreased by Pronase and which recovers, in vitro, by a process requiring protein synthesis.