Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic
autoimmune disease characterized by synovial membrane
hyperplasia, infiltration of inflammatory cells and bone tissue destruction. Although there have been many measures taken for RA
therapy in recent years, they are not sufficiently safe or effective. Thus, it is very important to develop new drugs and slow down damage to other healthy organs in the case of RA. Lately,
immunoglobulin Fc receptors (FcRs), such as the
IgG Fc receptor (FcγR),
IgA Fc receptor (FcαR), and
IgD Fc receptor (FcδR), have been found to be involved in inducing or suppressing
arthritis. FcRs interacting with
immune complexes (ICs) are a key factor in the etiopathogenesis of RA. Therefore, an increasing number of methodsfor the targeted treatment of RA with FcRs are emerging, such as recombinant soluble FcγRs, recombinant multimeric
Fc fragments and
monoclonal antibodies, and have been demonstrated to significantly improve RA symptoms. Simultaneously, certain
kinases involved in the downstream signaling of FcRs can also be a target for the treatment of RA, such as Syk and Btk inhibitors. An overview of these FcRs is provided in this review, including a description of FcR-related functions, signaling pathways, and potential FcR-targeting molecules for RA
therapy. To date, the initial results of those developed FcR-targeting molecules have been promising. With this, FcRs might offer a better alternative to RA medication. Additionally, further pharmacological characterization and a better understanding of the unique mechanisms of FcR-targeting molecules are necessary.