SOS Allergies

AbstractIntracellular pathogen‐specific antibodies (Abs) can contribute to host protection by a number of different mechanisms. Ab opsonization of pathogens residing outside a host cell can prevent infection of target cells either via neutralization of the critical surface epitopes required for host cell entry complement‐mediated degradation or via subsequent intracellular degradation. In the condition of intracellular localization, Abs can bind to infected cells and thus mark them for destruction by Fc receptor (FcR)‐bearing effector cells. This review focuses on the protective role of Abs against intracellular bacteria and parasites involving FcR interactions that modulate the intracellular trafficking of the pathogen, …