Recombinant human DC-SIGN/CD209 protein

DC-SIGN/CD209, also known as Dendritic Cell-specific ICAM-3 Grabbing Non-integrin, is a member of the C-type lectin family. It is Pathogen-recognition receptor expressed on the surface of immature dendritic cells (DCs) and involved in initiation of primary immune response. DC-SIGN on macrophages recognises and binds with high affinity to high-mannose type N-glycans, a class of pathogen associated molecular patterns PAMPs commonly found on viruses, bacteria and fungi. This binding interaction activates phagocytosis. It has a high affinity for the ICAM3 molecule and binds various microorganisms by recognizing high-mannose-containing glycoproteins on their envelopes and especially functions as receptor for several viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Besides functioning as an adhesion molecule, recent study has also shown that DC-SIGN can initiate innate immunity by modulating toll-like receptors, though the detailed mechanism is not yet known. It together with other C-type lectins is involved in recognition of tumors by dendritic cells. It is also a potential engineering target for dendritic cell based cancer vaccine. Recombinant human DC-SIGN/CD209, fused to hIgG-His-tag at C-terminus, was expressed in insect cell and purified by using conventional chromatography techniques.