Description
C-Type Lectin Domain Family 10 Member A (CLEC10A) is a type II transmembrane C-type lectin that is expressed on immature myleloid dendritic cells and alternatively activated (tolerogenic) macrophages. CLEC10A/MGL binds and internalizes molecules with terminal nonsialylated GalNAc carbohydrates such as the Tn carcinoma antigen. CLEC10A/MGL also binds the GP envelope glycoprotein on Marburg and Ebola viruses and enhances viral entry and infectivity. It constitute a unique class of C-type lectins because of their specificity for galactose and its structural homologues. CLEC10A is thought to participate in the recognition of molecules from both altered self and pathogens due to its monosaccharide specificity for Gal and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). Human and rat carry a single gene for CLEC10A/MGL, while mouse has two closely related MGL1 and MGL2 genes