Dendritic cell-associated C-type lectin-1 receptor (Dectin-1)

Dectin-1 is a C-type lectin receptor primarily expressed on myeloid cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils). It recognizes fungal β-glucans and triggers innate immune responses by recruiting Syk following ligand-induced receptor clustering and hemITAM phosphorylation. This initiates a signaling cascade culminating in NF-κB activation, driving expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species. In addition to antifungal immunity, Dectin-1 signaling shapes adaptive immunity (Th1/Th17 skewing), acts in trained immunity, and has emerging roles in cancer and inflammatory diseases. Syk and NF-κB are integral downstream mediators in this pathway, but Dectin-1 is the primary molecular target for therapeutic intervention in the pathway.

Other names

CLEC7Aβ-glucan receptorC-type lectin domain family 7 member A

Agonists: Activate Dectin-1, leading to Syk recruitment, phosphorylation, and downstream immune signaling (cytokine release, phagocytosis, trained immunity) Antagonists (hypothetical/in development): Block ligand binding, inhibit Syk recruitment and NF-κB activation