Screening for ligands of C-type lectin-like receptors

In order to execute their immune functions, leukocytes interact with a broad range of cell types through cell surface receptors, such as those of the immunoglobulin and C-type lectin families, or indirectly through soluble factors. The characterization of activating and inhibitory counterparts of NK cell receptors on myeloid cells, as well as the identification of their physiological ligands, has provided new insights into the underlying mechanisms of immunity and homeostasis. Here, we describe methodology that can be employed to screen for endogenous ligands of type-II C-type lectin-like receptors using reporter cells and Fc fusion proteins.