C-type lectin receptor (on dendritic cell) (CLR (on DC) or DC-CLR)

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) on dendritic cells are a diverse family of calcium-dependent carbohydrate-binding proteins that function predominantly as pattern recognition receptors, recognizing pathogen- and damage-associated glycans and self-antigens. They mediate key innate and adaptive immune activities by capturing and presenting antigens, modulating cytokine profiles, polarizing T cell responses, and participating in immunological tolerance or activation. Individual CLRs on dendritic cells—such as DC-SIGN, Dectin-1, Dectin-2, CLEC9A, and DCIR—play distinct and sometimes overlapping roles in immunity, pathogen recognition, vaccination, and disease processes, with their expression and function finely regulated by maturation and environmental stimuli

Other names

CLR (C-type lectin receptor)DC-CLRC-type lectin family receptorDendritic cell lectin receptorIncludes: DC-SIGN (CD209)Dectin-1 (CLEC7A)Dectin-2 (CLEC6A)DCIR (CLEC4A)CLEC9AMINCLE (CLEC4E)

Antigen targeting: Use of glycosylated antigens or antibody–antigen conjugates to direct delivery and presentation by dendritic cells via these receptors. Immune modulation: Modulation of downstream signaling, cytokine production, and T cell polarization through receptor engagement (e.g., via ITAM/hemITAM or ITIM signaling pathways, crosstalk with TLRs or other PRRs)