CLEC7A
Description
The CLEC7A (C-type lectin domain containing 7A) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
CLEC7A, also known as Dectin-1, is a protein encoded by the CLEC7A gene in humans. It belongs to the C-type lectin/C-type lectin-like domain (CTL/CTLD) superfamily and is a small type II transmembrane receptor. CLEC7A contains an extracellular C-type lectin-like domain fold and a cytoplasmic domain with a partial immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif. It functions as a pattern-recognition receptor for various β-1,3-linked and β-1,6-linked glucans from fungi and plants, playing a crucial role in the innate immune response. CLEC7A is expressed on myeloid dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages, and B cells. Alternative splice variants encoding different isoforms have been characterized. The CLEC7A gene is closely linked to other CTL/CTLD superfamily members on chromosome 12p13 within the natural killer gene complex region. Dectin-1 is a transmembrane protein with an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation (ITAM)-like motif in its intracellular tail, involved in cellular activation, and a C-type lectin-like domain (carbohydrate-recognition domain, CRD) in the extracellular region, which recognizes β-glucans and endogenous ligands on T cells. The CRD is separated from the membrane by a stalk region. CLEC7A contains potential sites for N-linked glycosylation in the stalk region.
CLEC7A, also known as Dectin-1, is a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that recognizes β-1,3-linked and β-1,6-linked glucans, which are cell wall components of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. It plays a crucial role in the TLR2-mediated inflammatory response and activation of NF-κB. Upon binding to β-glucans, CLEC7A recruits SYK via its ITAM motif, initiating a signaling cascade that activates certain CARD domain-BCL10-MALT1 (CBM) signalosomes. This leads to the activation of NF-κB and MAP kinase p38 pathways, resulting in the expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. CLEC7A also enhances cytokine production in macrophages and dendritic cells, mediates the production of reactive oxygen species in the cell, and facilitates phagocytosis of C. albicans conidia. It interacts with T cells, promoting T-cell activation and proliferation without involving their surface glycans. CLEC7A induces phosphorylation of SCIMP upon β-glucan binding.
CLEC7A is also known as BGR, CANDF4, CD369, CLECSF12, DECTIN1, SCARE2.
