CLEC4E: Products

CLEC4E, also known as Mincle, is a transmembrane C-type lectin that functions as an activating innate immune receptor on monocytes, macrophages, and immature dendritic cells. Human CLEC4E binds to mycobacterial glycolipids including the immune adjuvant TDM (cord factor), its synthetic analog TDB, and GroMM. It also binds the nuclear protein SAP130 which can be released from necrotic cells and cholesterol crystals deposited in atherosclerotic plaques. Mouse CLEC4E, in contrast, does not appear to interact with TDB, GroMM, or cholesterol crystals. The fungus Fonsecaea monophora may evade immune clearance through binding to CLEC4E and suppressing IL-12 production and Th1 cell differentiation instead of promoting inflammation.