Discovery of the IgG transporter in the mammary gland

What is it about?

While FcRn is known to facilitate IgG transport in the placenta and neonatal intestine, the mechanisms underlying IgG secretion into milk remain unclear. Here, we identify FcγRIIB as the key transporter mediating maternal IgG transfer across the mammary gland in mammals.

Featured Image

Photo by FY Chang on Unsplash

Photo by FY Chang on Unsplash

Why is it important?

We, for the first time, demonstrate that FcgammaRIIB, an immunologically inhibitory IgG Fc receptor, can transport IgG in the mammary gland. Our work opens avenues for improving neonatal immunity through targeted modulation of FcγRIIB-mediated IgG transport.