Deficiencies of human C3 complement receptors type 1 (CR1, CD35) and type 2 (CR2, CD21).

CR1 (CD35) and CR2 (CD21) are structurally related integral transmembrane glycoproteins that function as cellular receptors for human C3b and C3dg, respectively. The primary sequence of the most common structural allotype of CR1 and that of CR2 have been established, and ligand binding on the molecules has been mapped. CR1 and CR2 genes are located in close vicinity in the RCA locus of chromosome 1. CR1 has a wide cellular/tissular distribution and mediates a variety of biologic functions, including the transport of C3-bearing immune complexes on erythrocytes, enhancement of phagocytosis, induction of IL-1 secretion and enhancement of B-cell differentiation. Expression of CR2 is restricted to B lymphocytes and follicular dendritic cells. The receptor modulates B-cell growth. CR2 also serves as the receptor for EBV and determines the cellular tropism of the virus. This review discusses the molecular biology and functional characteristics of CR1 and CR2. It focuses on alterations of expression of the receptors in disease, with particular emphasis on the genetic and acquired factors that contribute to the defective expression of CR1 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.