Dectin-1 (CLEC7A, BGR, CLECSF12)

Abstract

Dectin-1 is the archetypical example of the C-type lectin receptor (CLR) family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Expressed primarily by cells of the innate immune system, this receptor is best known for its role in antifungal immunity through its ability to recognise cell wall β-glucans. Upon recognition of these carbohydrates, Dectin-1 transduces intracellular signalling through several pathways activating or regulating numerous cellular responses such as phagocytosis, the respiratory burst, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, inflammasome activation and cytokine and chemokine production. Moreover, like the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Dectin-1 is able to instruct the development of adaptive immunity, promoting Th1- and Th17-type responses. Dectin-1 collaborates with other PRRs to synergise and regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. More recently, Dectin-1 has been found to recognise a broader range of microbial pathogens, including bacteria, as well as endogenous ligands, influencing autoimmune and other diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and cancer. In this chapter, we will discuss the structure, expression and ligands of Dectin-1, as well as the intracellular signalling pathways and cellular responses that this receptor can induce. We will describe the role of Dectin-1 in antifungal immunity and in immunity to other pathogens. We will briefly discuss the interaction of Dectin-1 with other PRRs and its broader role in immunity, through recognition of endogenous ligands, for example.