C-type lectin receptor that binds carbohydrates mannose and fucose but also weakly interacts with N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner . Involved in regulating immune reactivity (, ). Once triggered by antigen, it is internalized by clathrin-dependent endocytosis and delivers its antigenic cargo into the antigen presentation pathway resulting in cross-priming of CD8(+) T cells. This cross-presentation and cross-priming are enhanced by TLR7 and TLR8 agonists with increased expansion of the CD8(+) T cells, high production of IFNG and TNF with reduced levels of IL4, IL5 and IL13 (, ). In plasmacytoid dendritic cells, inhibits TLR9-mediated IFNA and TNF production . May be involved via its ITIM motif (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs) in the inhibition of B-cell-receptor-mediated calcium mobilization and protein tyrosine phosphorylation .
(Microbial infection) Involved in the interaction between HIV-1 virus and dendritic cells. Enhances HIV-1 binding/entry and virus infection. Requires ITIM motif-associated signal transduction pathway involving phosphatases PTPN6 and PTPN11, SYK, Src kinases and MAP kinases.
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Expressed preferentially in hematopoietic tissues. Expressed in all circulating Ag-presenting cells such as dendritic cells, myeloid cells, monocytes, macrophages, B-cells and epidermal Langerhans cells (at protein level). Expressed in peripheral blood leukocytes, neutrophils, moderate quantities in spleen, lymph node, and bone marrow, and at very low levels in thymus.