This cell surface antigen(CD16) is identical with hFcRIII (Fc-gamma R3, FCGR3A, FCGR3), an Fc-IgG receptor. CD16 is part of a multimeric complex consisting of three functionally and biochemically distinct proteins that are membrane-spanning subunits mediating assembly and signal transduction. The complex is associated with a protein tyrosine kinase, lck, which is involved also in other signal transduction pathways.

CD16 is one of the three subtypes of Fc-IgG receptors. These receptors are distributed widely on many cells of the immune system and contribute to the pathogenesis of immune complex- and auto-antibody mediated disorders such as vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or autoimmune neutropenia.