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Pathogens target DC‐SIGN to influence their fate DC‐SIGN functions as a pathogen receptor with broad specificity
Author(s) -
GEIJTENBEEK TEUNIS B. H.,
VAN KOOYK YVETTE
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
apmis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.909
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1600-0463
pISSN - 0903-4641
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0463.2003.11107803.x
Subject(s) - dc sign , pathogen , biology , c type lectin , immune system , receptor , pathogen associated molecular pattern , virology , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , pattern recognition receptor , dendritic cell , innate immune system , genetics
Dendritic cells (DC) are vital in the defense against pathogens. To sense pathogens DC express pathogen recognition receptors such as toll‐like receptors (TLR) and C‐type lectins that recognize different fragments of pathogens, and subsequently activate or present pathogen fragments to T cells. It is now becoming evident that some pathogens subvert DC functions to escape immune surveillance. HIV‐1 targets the DC‐specific C‐type lectin DC‐SIGN to hijack DC for viral dissemination. HIV‐1 binding to DC‐SIGN protects HIV‐1 from antigen processing and facilitates its transport to lymphoid tissues, where DC‐SIGN promotes HIV‐1 infection of T cells. Recent studies demonstrate that DC‐SIGN is a more universal pathogen receptor that also recognizes Ebola, cytomegalovirus and mycobacteria. Mycobacterium tuberculosis targets DC‐SIGN by a mechanism that is distinct from that of HIV‐1, leading to inhibition of the immunostimulatory function of DC and pathogen survival. Thus, a better understanding of DC‐SIGN‐pathogen interactions and their effects on DC function is necessary to combat infections.