Anti-DC-SIGN CD209 Monoclonal Antibody [5D7]

Dendritic cells (DCs) that control immune responses were recently found to capture and transport HIV from the mucosal area to remote lymph nodes, where DCs hand over HIV to CD4+ T lymphocytes. DCs also amplify the amount of virus and extend the duration of viral infectivity. Multiple strains of HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV bind to DCs via DC-SIGN. ICAM-3 is the natural ligand for DC-SIGN. A DC-SIGN homologue (termed DC-SIGNR, L-SIGN, and DC-SIGN2) was identified recently. DC-SIGN forms a novel gene family with DC-SIGNR and many alternatively spliced isoforms of DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR. The expression of DC-SIGN was found in mucosal tissues including placenta, small intestine, and rectum.

Predominantly expressed in dendritic cells and in DC-residing tissues. Also found in placental macrophages, endothelial cells of placental vascular channels, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and THP-1 monocytes.

Pathogen-recognition receptor expressed on the surface of immature dendritic cells (DCs) and involved in initiation of primary immune response. Thought to mediate the endocytosis of pathogens which are subsequently degraded in lysosomal compartments. The receptor returns to the cell membrane surface and the pathogen-derived antigens are presented to resting T-cells via MHC class II proteins to initiate the adaptive immune response.