Journal
IMMUNOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY
Volume 88, Issue 4, Pages 410-415Publisher
NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP
DOI: 10.1038/icb.2010.32
Keywords
C-type lectin; Langerin; HIV-1 transmission; pattern recognition receptor; Langerhans cell; antiviral
Categories
Funding
- Dutch AIDS Foundation [2007036]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Langerhans cells (LC) are the first dendritic cells (DC) to encounter pathogens entering the body via mucosa or skin. Equipped with pattern recognition receptors (PRR), LC are able to detect and respond to these pathogens. An important PRR, in human exclusively expressed by LC, is the C-type lectin Langerin. Langerin forms a protective barrier against HIV-1 infection by binding and degradation of this virus. In addition, antigens targeted to Langerin are presented to T cells to induce an adaptive immune response. Therefore Langerin functions as an innate anti-viral defense mechanism and an antigen receptor involved in adaptive immune responses. Here, we review the role of Langerin in antiviral protection, its structural similarity to other C-type lectins, and how its function and polymorphisms influence the function of Langerhans cells. Immunology and Cell Biology (2010) 88, 410-415; doi: 10.1038/icb.2010.32; published online 23 March 2010
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available