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

Alessandra Cambi1, Karlijn Gijzen, l Jolanda M de Vries

  • 1Department of Tumor Immunology, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences, University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

European Journal of Immunology
|March 21, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Dendritic cells (DC) utilize DC-SIGN to bind Candida albicans. This receptor internalizes the fungus, revealing its role in capturing both viruses and fungi.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Dendritic cells (DCs) in submucosal tissues are crucial for HIV-1 entry.
  • The fungus Candida albicans frequently infects similar submucosal sites.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of DC-SIGN (CD209) in binding and internalizing Candida albicans.
  • To determine if DC-SIGN acts as a pathogen-uptake receptor for fungi.

Main Methods:

  • Binding assays using DC-SIGN-transfected cell lines and human monocyte-derived DCs.
  • Experiments with live and heat-inactivated C. albicans.
  • Microscopy to observe internalization into DC-SIGN-enriched vesicles.

Main Results:

  • DC-SIGN effectively binds both live and inactivated C. albicans in a time- and concentration-dependent manner.
  • Immature DCs internalize C. albicans via DC-SIGN into distinct vesicles.
  • This internalization pathway is separate from the mannose receptor pathway.

Conclusions:

  • DC-SIGN functions as a significant receptor for C. albicans uptake by dendritic cells.
  • DC-SIGN's role extends beyond viral capture to include fungal pathogens.
  • This finding highlights DC-SIGN as a versatile receptor in innate immunity against diverse microbes.

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