The C-type lectin DC-SIGN (CD209) is an antigen-uptake receptor for Candida albicans on dendritic cells

Eur J Immunol. 2003 Feb;33(2):532-8. doi: 10.1002/immu.200310029.

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DC) that express the type II C-type lectin DC-SIGN (CD209) are located in the submucosa of tissues, where they mediate HIV-1 entry. Interestingly, the pathogen Candida albicans, the major cause of hospital-acquired fungal infections, penetrates at similar submucosal sites. Here we demonstrate that DC-SIGN is able to bind C. albicans both in DC-SIGN-transfected cell lines and in human monocyte-derived DC. The binding was shown to be time- as well as concentration-dependent, and live as well as heat-inactivated C. albicans were bound to the same extent. Moreover, in immature DC, DC-SIGN was able to internalize C. albicans in specific DC-SIGN-enriched vesicles, distinct from those containing the mannose receptor, the other known C. albicans receptor expressed by DC. Together, these results demonstrate that DC-SIGN is an exquisite pathogen-uptake receptor that captures not only viruses but also fungi.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activated-Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule / immunology
  • Antigens, Fungal / immunology*
  • Candida albicans / immunology*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / microbiology
  • Egtazic Acid / pharmacology
  • Endocytosis
  • Endosomes
  • Hot Temperature
  • Humans
  • K562 Cells
  • Lectins, C-Type / immunology*
  • Monocytes / cytology
  • Phagocytosis / drug effects
  • Phagosomes / microbiology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Activated-Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule
  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • DC-specific ICAM-3 grabbing nonintegrin
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Egtazic Acid