Pathogen recognition by DC-SIGN shapes adaptive immunity

Future Microbiol. 2009 Sep;4(7):879-90. doi: 10.2217/fmb.09.51.

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) tailor adaptive immune responses to specific pathogens. This diversity is mediated by cooperation between different pattern recognition receptors that are triggered by specific pathogens. DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) is a pattern recognition receptor with a broad pathogen recognition specificity as a result of its affinity for mannose and fucose carbohydrates. DC-SIGN induces very diverse immune responses to different pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, helminths and viruses. Recent data show that DC-SIGN triggering by pathogens modulates Toll-like receptor signaling at the level of nuclear factor-kappaB. In this article, we will discuss the signaling pathways induced by DC-SIGN and its central role in the regulation of adaptive immunity to bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / immunology
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Fungi / immunology
  • Helminths / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lectins, C-Type / immunology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Viruses / immunology

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • DC-specific ICAM-3 grabbing nonintegrin
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Receptors, Cell Surface