title: The physiological role of DC-SIGN: a tale of mice and men.
abstract: The innate immune receptor DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing non-integrin) was discovered over a decade ago and was initially identified as a pattern recognition receptor. In addition to its ability to recognize a broad range of pathogen-derived ligands and self-glycoproteins, DC-SIGN also mediates intercellular adhesion, as well as antigen uptake and signaling, which is a functional hallmark of dendritic cells (DCs). Most research on DC-SIGN has relied on in vitro studies. The in vivo function of DC-SIGN is difficult to address, in part because there are eight genetic homologs in mice with no clear DC-SIGN ortholog. Here, we summarize the functions attributed to DC-SIGN based on in vitro data and discuss the limitations of available mouse models to uncover the physiological role of this receptor in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, 1081BT, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Juan J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Garcia-Vallejo
authors.forename: Yvette
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: van Kooyk
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology*; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000276:immunology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000276:immunology*; D000099215:DC-Specific ICAM-3 Grabbing Nonintegrin
chemical_list: D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D000099215:DC-Specific ICAM-3 Grabbing Nonintegrin
keywords: DC-SIGN; animal models; antigen presentation; pattern recognition receptors