Fc receptor and integrin signaling in phagocytes

Specific receptors for antibodies, named Fc receptors, and for extracellular matrix proteins, named integrins, contribute to phagocyte activation. Because phagocyte activation is the mechanism whereby most of the potential pathogens are ultimately destroyed, there is a lot of interest to elucidate the biochemical signals that Fc receptors and integrins induce to activate phagocyte functions. This review describes the main signal transduction pathways that are initiated by Fc receptors and integrins in phagocytic leukocytes, with emphasis on the activation of phagocytosis and gene expression. New findings on the common signaling pathways used by Fc receptors and integrins are also discussed.