Page 623 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition
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cells, in muscle, vasculature, and hepatic sinusoids. Because it binds
VetBooks.ir IgG and albumin with high affinity, it regulates the serum half-lives
of these proteins. When IgG binds to FcRn it is protected from
degradation and so has a longer half-life. If FcRn expression
remains constant, IgG levels remain stable. If IgG levels rise, the
surplus will fail to bind FcRn and be degraded. Conversely, if IgG
levels drop, a greater proportion will bind to FcRn and be
protected. This receptor also plays a key role in the transfer of
maternal immunoglobulins to newborn mammals (Chapter 23).
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