CLEC4D Protein, Rat (HEK293, Fc)

CLEC4D, a calcium-dependent lectin, serves as a pivotal pattern recognition receptor (PRR) within the innate immune system, identifying damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from bacteria and fungi. Notably, it recognizes alpha-mannans on C.albicans hyphae and mycobacterial trehalose 6,6'-dimycolate (TDM). In myeloid cells, CLEC4D interacts with the signaling adapter Fc receptor gamma chain/FCER1G, likely facilitated by CLEC4E, forming a functional complex. Binding of mycobacterial TDM or C.albicans alpha-mannans to this receptor complex triggers phosphorylation of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) of FCER1G, activating SYK, CARD9, and NF-kappa-B. This activation cascade drives maturation of antigen-presenting cells, shaping antigen-specific priming of T-cells towards effector T-helper 1 and T-helper 17 cell subtypes. Additionally, the CLEC4D-CLEC6A heterodimer actively combats fungal infections, while CLEC4D, functioning as an endocytic receptor, may contribute to antigen uptake at infection sites for either antigen clearance or processing and subsequent presentation to T-cells. The disulfide-linked heterodimer with CLEC4E reinforces interaction with FCER1G, forming a functional complex.