CLEC4M

CLEC4M

A gene on chromosome 19p13 that encodes a pathogen-recognition receptor expressed on the surface of immature dendritic cells which is involved in initiating a primary immune response. The receptors are thought to recognise high-mannose N-linked oligosaccharides present on the surface of pathogens (such as HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV gp120, among others) in a calcium-dependent fashion. Once bound, the receptor mediates endocytosis of the pathogens, which are subsequently degraded in lysosomal compartments. The receptor then returns to the cell membrane surface, and the pathogen-derived antigens are presented to resting T cells via MHC class-II proteins to initiate the adaptive immune response.