Dectin-2 in Antimicrobial Immunity and Homeostasis

Dendritic cell-associated lectin-2 (Dectin-2) is one of the most well-characterized members of the C-type lectin family. Recent studies have revealed its indispensable functions as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) for a wide variety of pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses. This receptor recognizes microbial carbohydrates as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). Upon ligand ligation, Dectin-2 induces secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF, as well as the inhibitory cytokine IL-10. These cytokines differentiate T cells into IL-17-producing Th17 cells to eliminate pathogens. In addition to microbes, Dectin-2 also binds to allergens such as those of house dust mites and helminths to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. In vivo, Dectin-2 plays a key role in antimicrobial infection, especially antifungal infections. Owing to these abilities, Dectin-2 agonists could be promising adjuvants in vaccinations. In this section, we summarize the current knowledge of Dectin-2 in detail, describing its structure, ligand recognition, signaling, and associated human diseases.