hDectin-1 is involved in uptake and cross-presentation of cellular antigens

Human Dectin-1 (hDectin-1) is a member of the C-type lectin-like receptor family that was shown to be the major receptor for fungal beta-glucans and to play an important role in the cellular responses mediated by these carbohydrates. In this study, we demonstrate that hDectin-1 is involved in the uptake and cross-presentation of cellular antigens. Furthermore, activation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDCs) with toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligand but not with TLR2 ligand or TLR7 ligand resulted in down-regulation of hDectin-1 expression and reduced phagocytosis of apoptotic tumor cells as well as presentation of pp65-derived T-cell epitopes upon engulfment of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected human foreskin fibroblasts.