C-type lectin domain family 4 member A (CLEC4A)

C-type lectin domain family 4 member A (CLEC4A), also known as dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR), is a type II transmembrane receptor of the C-type lectin family predominantly expressed on antigen-presenting cells including dendritic cells, monocytes, B cells, and some other immune cells[1][3][5]. CLEC4A recognizes carbohydrate ligands in a calcium-dependent manner and contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) that negatively regulates immune cell activation, primarily dampening Toll-like receptor-mediated proinflammatory and interferon signals[3][5]. It participates in the uptake and presentation of antigens, maintains immune tolerance, and modulates immune responses during infection, autoimmunity, and inflammation[1][4][5]. CLEC4A is also implicated in pathogen recognition—notably enhancing HIV-1 entry into dendritic cells—and plays disease-modifying roles in autoimmunity (such as rheumatoid arthritis), infection, and cancer[3][4][5]. There are currently no approved drugs that selectively target CLEC4A, though immune-modulating therapies (such as IVIg) may interact with it via glycosylated moieties[5].

Other names

DCIRDendritic cell immunoreceptorCD367CLECSF6DDB27HDCGC13PLLIRhDCIRC-type lectin DDB27C-type lectin superfamily member 6Lectin-like immunoreceptor

Modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses via ITIM-containing inhibitory signaling. Facilitates antigen uptake and presentation, regulates TLR-mediated signaling, can dampen interferon and proinflammatory cytokine responses