Dectin-1

Dectin-1, encoded by CLEC7A, is the principal mammalian receptor for beta-glucans, the major cell-wall polysaccharides of fungi. Although grouped with C-type lectins, its lectin-like domain binds beta-1,3-glucan independently of a canonical carbohydrate-recognition fold. Dectin-1 signals through a hemITAM that recruits Syk and the CARD9-BCL10-MALT1 scaffold, triggering phagocytosis, respiratory burst, and production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. It is expressed on macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils and cooperates with TLRs to shape antifungal Th17 responses; human Dectin-1 deficiency causes chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. Recombinant Dectin-1 protein underpins beta-glucan sensing assays, adjuvant development, and antifungal-immunity research.