Fc epsilon RI alpha

High affinity immunoglobulin epsilon receptor subunit alpha (FCER1A) is also known as Fc-epsilon RI-alpha (FcERI), IgE Fc receptor subunit alpha, FCE1A. FCER1A contains two Ig-like (immunoglobulin-like) domains. FCER1A binds to the Fc region of immunoglobulins epsilon and is a high affinity receptor. FCER1A is responsible for initiating the allergic response, which binding of allergen to receptor-bound IgE leads to cell activation and the release of mediators (such as histamine) responsible for the manifestations of allergy. The same receptor also induces the secretion of important lymphokines. FCER1A plays a central role in allergic disease, coupling allergen and mast cell to initiate the inflammatory and immediate hypersensitivity responses that are characteristic of disorders such as hay fever and asthma.