Abstract
A clone encoding the rat type II Fcγ receptor was isolated from a cDNA library of the rat mucosal mast cell line RBL-2H3 and its sequence determined. The predicted amino acid sequence is highly homologous with the mouse type II as well as rat type III Fcγ receptors. The site of alternative splicing which generates the mouse FcγRb2 isoform is completely conserved. Hence we consider the new sequence to encode a rat FcγRII b2 isoform. In further analogy to the mouse receptor, no consensus motif known to be involved in accessory chain association was observed in the transmembranal domain. The importance of the identification of this receptor for investigation of the immunological stimulation of mast cells is discussed.