Fcgamma receptor transmembrane domains: role in cell surface expression, gamma chain interaction, and phagocytosis.

We constructed chimeric receptors to dissect the role of the transmembrane (TM) domain in cell surface expression of and phagocytosis by the gamma chain-dependent Fcgamma receptors FcgammaRIIIA and FcgammaRI. FcgammaR chimeras containing the TM and cytoplasmic (CY) domains of the gamma chain were expressed on the cell surface and mediated an efficient phagocytic signal. In contrast, chimeras containing the FcgammaRIIIA TM were poorly expressed.