Entrez Summary: The protein encoded by this gene is expressed only in Langerhans cells which are immature dendritic cells of the epidermis and mucosa. It is localized in the Birbeck granules, organelles present in the cytoplasm of Langerhans cells and consisting of superimposed and zippered membranes. It is a C-type lectin with mannose binding specificity, and it has been proposed that mannose binding by this protein leads to internalization of antigen into Birbeck granules and providing access to a nonclassical antigen-processing pathway. Mutations in this gene result in Birbeck granules deficiency or loss of sugar binding activity. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2010].
UniProt Summary: Calcium-dependent lectin displaying mannose-binding specificity. Induces the formation of Birbeck granules (BGs); is a potent regulator of membrane superimposition and zippering. Binds to sulfated as well as mannosylated glycans, keratan sulfate (KS) and beta-glucans. Facilitates uptake of antigens and is involved in the routing and/or processing of antigen for presentation to T cells. Major receptor on primary Langerhans cells for Candida species, Saccharomyces species, and Malassezia furfur. Protects against human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. Binds to high-mannose structures present on the envelope glycoprotein which is followed by subsequent targeting of the virus to the Birbeck granules leading to its rapid degradation. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10661407, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17334373, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20026605, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20097424}.
Pfam DomainsGO Terms
Pfam Domains
Lectin C
GO Terms
mannose binding
clathrin-coated endocytic vesicle membrane
endocytic vesicle
antigen processing and presentation of exogenous peptide antigen via MHC class I, TAP-dependent
antigen processing and presentation of exogenous peptide antigen via MHC class I
antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class I
early endosome membrane
carbohydrate binding
antigen processing and presentation of exogenous peptide antigen
antigen processing and presentation of exogenous antigen
antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen
defense response to virus
antigen processing and presentation
receptor-mediated endocytosis
response to virus
endocytosis
import into cell
defense response to other organism
immune effector process
response to other organism
response to external biotic stimulus
response to biotic stimulus
defense response
vesicle-mediated transport
CRISPR Data
Compound HitMost Correlated Genes in ChemogenomicsTissues where Essential in the Avana Dataset (DepMap 20Q1)