Detection and functional resolution of soluble immune complexes by an FcγR reporter cell panel

Fc-gamma receptor (FcγR) activation by soluble IgG immune complexes (sICs) represents a major mechanism of inflammation in certain autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A robust and scalable test system allowing for the detection and quantification of sIC bioactivity is missing. We developed a comprehensive reporter cell panel detecting activation of FcγRs. The reporter cell lines were integrated into an assay that enables the quantification of sIC reactivity via ELISA or a faster detection using flow cytometry. This identified FcγRIIA(H) and FcγRIIIA as the most sIC-sensitive FcγRs in our test system. Reaching a detection limit in the very low nanomolar range, the assay proved also to be sensitive to sIC stoichiometry and size reproducing for the first time a complete Heidelberger-Kendall curve in terms of immune receptor activation. Analyzing sera from SLE patients and mouse models of lupus and arthritis proved that sIC-dependent FcγR activation has predictive capabilities regarding severity of SLE disease. The assay provides a sensitive and scalable tool to evaluate the size, amount and bioactivity of sICs in all settings.