Abstract
beta-Glucans are structural components of fungal cell walls, which have a stimulatory effect on the immune system. Although a number of receptors for these carbohydrates have been proposed, the recently identified C-type lectin-like receptor, Dectin-1, appears to play a central role. Dectin-1 is expressed on phagocytic cells, including macrophages and neutrophils, and mediates both the internalization and cellular responses to beta-glucan, through unique mechanisms. Dectin-1 can recognize and respond to live fungal pathogens and is being increasingly appreciated as having a key role in the innate responses to these pathogens. In addition to its exogenous ligands, Dectin-1 can recognize an unidentified endogenous ligand on T cells and may act as a co-stimulatory molecule, although its function in these responses is less clear. This review will highlight the current knowledge of Dectin-1 and its potential role in antifungal immunity, as well as deficiencies in our understanding.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 193-203 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Critical Reviews in Immunology |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2004 |
Keywords
- animals
- fungi
- gene expression
- humans
- Inflammation
- membrane proteins
- biological models
- myeloid cells
- nerve tissue proteins
- phagocytosis
- receptors, immunologic
- T-lymphocytes
- beta-glucans
- toll-like receptor
- pattern recognition
- innate immunity
- macrophage
- expression
- pathway
- system
- cells
- identification