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CD205 (DEC-205): a recognition receptor for apoptotic and necrotic self

Rachel E Shrimpton1, Matt Butler, Anne-Sophie Morel

  • 1Department of Immunology, Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom. r.shrimpton@surrey.ac.uk

Molecular Immunology
|January 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

CD205, a receptor on thymic epithelial cells and dendritic cells, recognizes ligands on dying cells. This finding reveals CD205

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • CD205 is an endocytic receptor found on thymic epithelial cells and dendritic cells (DCs).
  • It plays a role in antigen uptake and presentation to T cells via MHC class I and II pathways.
  • Previous studies used antibodies as ligands, limiting understanding of CD205's natural interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the physiological ligands of the CD205 receptor.
  • To determine the specific domains of CD205 involved in ligand binding.
  • To understand CD205's role in recognizing dying cells and self-antigen uptake.

Main Methods:

  • Created a panel of CD205-IgG fusion proteins covering the extracellular domain.
  • Used these fusion proteins to probe for CD205 ligands.
  • Analyzed ligand distribution on apoptotic, necrotic, and live cells, including the DC2.4 cell line.

Main Results:

  • Identified two key regions within CD205 (CTLDs 3+4 and 9+10) that bind ligands.
  • These ligands are present on cells undergoing apoptosis and necrosis.
  • Ligands were also detected on live dendritic cells (DC2.4 line).

Conclusions:

  • CD205 functions as a receptor for dying cells.
  • This recognition mechanism may facilitate self-antigen uptake in the thymus and periphery.
  • Provides a pathway for maintaining immune tolerance.

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