CLEC4F

CLEC4F is a member of the CLEC4 family whose biology is best documented in mouse, where it serves as a characteristic surface marker of Kupffer cells, the resident macrophages of the liver. The receptor adopts the typical type II transmembrane layout with a single C-type lectin domain and is thought to contribute to hepatic immune surveillance and to the clearance of gut-derived material entering the portal circulation. A human ortholog exists in the chromosome 12 CLEC4 cluster, but its expression pattern and function are far less defined than those of relatives such as DC-SIGN or BDCA-2. Recombinant CLEC4F supports Kupffer-cell targeting studies and liver immunology research.