MS4A2

The allergic response involves the binding of allergen to receptor-bound IgE followed by cell activation and the release of mediators responsible for the manifestations of allergy. The IgE-receptor, a tetramer composed of an alpha, beta, and 2 disulfide-linked gamma chains, is found on the surface of mast cells and basophils. This gene encodes the beta subunit of the high affinity IgE receptor which is a member of the membrane-spanning 4A gene family. Members of this nascent protein family are characterized by common structural features and similar intron/exon splice boundaries and display unique expression patterns among hematopoietic cells and nonlymphoid tissues. This family member is localized to 11q12, among a cluster of membrane-spanning 4A gene family members. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding distinct proteins. Additional transcript variants have been described but require experimental validation. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2012]

Full Name

Membrane Spanning 4-Domains A2

Function

High affinity receptor that binds to the Fc region of immunoglobulins epsilon. Aggregation of FCER1 by multivalent antigens is required for the full mast cell response, including the release of preformed mediators (such as histamine) by degranulation and de novo production of lipid mediators and cytokines. Also mediates the secretion of important lymphokines. Binding of allergen to receptor-bound IgE leads to cell activation and the release of mediators responsible for the manifestations of allergy.

Biological Process

Cell surface receptor signaling pathway Source: GO_Central
Fc-epsilon receptor signaling pathway Source: InterPro
Immune response Source: UniProtKB
Inflammatory response Source: InterPro

Cellular Location

Membrane

Topology

Cytoplasmic: 1-59
Helical: 60-79
Extracellular: 80-97
Helical: 98-117
Cytoplasmic: 118-130
Helical: 131-150
Extracellular: 151-180
Helical: 181-200
Cytoplasmic: 201-244

PTM

Phosphorylated on tyrosine residues by LYN.