Fcγ Receptor Heterogeneity in the Human Placenta

Fc receptors for IgG, FcRI (CD64), FcRII (CD32), and FcRIII (CD16) in human placenta were studied by indirect immunohistochemistry using avidin-biotin peroxidase complexes for the staining of cryostat sections. The MoAb 32.2 against FcRI stained cells in the loose connective tissue of the placental villi. The MoAb IV3 (FcRII) and C1KM5 (FcRII) also stained stromal cells and in addition stained the endothelium of the placental villi. The MoAb anti-Leu-11b against FcRIII and B1D6 against a 40-kDa FcR from placenta stained both stromal cells and endothelium as well as the fetal trophoblasts lining the villi. The MoAb 3G8 (FcRIII) also stained trophoblasts and stromal cells but did not stain the endothelium. The heterogeneity of FcR expression on human placenta is established. The function of the different receptors is still unclear.