Self and nonself recognition through C-type lectin receptor, Mincle

Mincle (also called as Clec4e or Clecsf9) is a C-type lectin receptor expressed in activated macrophages. Recently, we have reported that Mincle transduces the activation signals through ITAM-containing adaptor protein, FcRγ and induces the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we and other groups have identified that Mincle recognizes a wide variety of ligands such as damaged cells, fungus, yeast and mycobacteria. These results indicate that Mincle acts as a multi-task danger receptor for both self and nonself ligands. This review summarizes the recent discoveries about the ligands and immunological roles of Mincle.