C-type lectin domain family 4 member F (CLEC4F)

C-type lectin domain family 4 member F (CLEC4F) is a type-II membrane C-type lectin receptor highly and specifically expressed on resident liver macrophages (Kupffer cells) in mice and other species (rat, cattle), but functionally absent in humans. CLEC4F has a single carbohydrate-recognition domain with binding affinity for galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), fucose, and certain glycolipids; carbohydrate recognition is calcium-dependent. CLEC4F is implicated in the immune response, particularly in glycolipid antigen presentation to NKT cells, and contributes to pathogen recognition in the liver. Its unique glycan-binding specificity and exclusive Kupffer cell expression make it a valuable biomarker for liver macrophages and for imaging liver inflammation. The murine gene is closely related to that of Langerin (CD207), with which it shares significant sequence homology. Diseases directly caused by CLEC4F dysfunction are not established, but changes in tissue expression or density have been linked to liver disease states and infections. There are no currently described drugs directly targeting CLEC4F, and therapeutic translation is limited since functional human orthologs are absent.

Other names

C-type lectin 13CLECSF13FLJ39110KCLRKCRKupffer cell receptorC-type lectin superfamily member 13