CLEC4M
Description
The CLEC4M (C-type lectin domain family 4 member M) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
CLEC4M (C-type lectin domain family 4 member M) is a protein encoded by the CLEC4M gene in humans. It is also known as CD299 and L-SIGN (liver/lymph node-specific intracellular adhesion molecules-3 grabbing non-integrin). CLEC4M is closely related to CD209 antigen, a protein that binds to HIV gp120. Like CD209, CLEC4M binds to ICAM3 and HIV-1 gp120, potentially enhancing HIV-1 infection of T cells. The CLEC4M gene is located on chromosome 19, near the CD209 and CD23/FCER2 genes. Several different versions of the CLEC4M gene have been found, but the function of some is still unknown.
CLEC4M, also known as L-SIGN, is a receptor that plays a role in the immune system's defense against pathogens. It is primarily found in the liver and lymph nodes where it helps to capture and remove invading microbes. CLEC4M achieves this by binding to various pathogens, including viruses like Ebola, Hepatitis C, HIV, and coronaviruses, as well as bacteria such as Mycobacterium bovis. Once bound, CLEC4M internalizes the pathogen through a process called endocytosis. This brings the pathogen into a cellular compartment called a lysosome, where it is broken down and destroyed. CLEC4M also binds to ICAM3, a cell adhesion molecule, likely through its recognition of mannose-like carbohydrates on ICAM3.
CLEC4M is also known as CD209L, CD299, DC-SIGN2, DC-SIGNR, DCSIGNR, HP10347, L-SIGN, LSIGN.
