Folate receptor β performs an immune checkpoint function in activated macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Monocytes and macrophages are sentinels of the immune system that distinguish themselves from other cells by expressing the beta isoform of the folate receptor (FRβ). Because FRβ does not bind folate until the monocyte/macrophage is exposed to immunosuppressive cytokines, the question naturally arose whether FRβ might also perform an immune-related function. To examine this matter, we compared the properties of wild type (WT) and FRβ knockout mice. We observe that FRβ knockout (KO) mice display autoimmune symptoms that can include alopecia, enlarged spleens, and dermatitis, despite having normal cellular folate levels. We further demonstrate that syngeneic tumors (TRAMP C2, MC38) grow much slower in FRβ KO mice than wildtype mice. Comparison of cells extracted from syngeneic tumors of KO m

SUBMITTER: Zhang F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12515634 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature