CLEC10A (C-type lectin domain family 10 member A), also known as CD301 or macrophage galactose-type C-type lectin (MGL), is a transmembrane protein belonging to the C-type lectin receptor family. It is primarily expressed on myeloid cells, including dendritic cells and macrophages, and plays a role in pathogen recognition and immune modulation. CLEC10A specifically binds to glycoconjugates containing terminal galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues, such as tumor-associated Tn and sialyl-Tn antigens, which are linked to abnormal glycosylation in cancers.
This receptor is involved in both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. It promotes antigen uptake and presentation to T cells, enhancing anti-tumor immunity. However, CLEC10A also exhibits immunosuppressive functions by inducing regulatory T cells or tolerogenic dendritic cells, contributing to immune tolerance in contexts like allergies or autoimmune diseases.
CLEC10A antibodies are widely used in research to detect receptor expression via flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry. Functional studies employ these antibodies to block CLEC10A-ligand interactions, revealing its role in immune regulation, cancer progression, or microbial infections. Recent studies explore its potential as a therapeutic target, either to boost anti-cancer responses by disrupting immunosuppressive signals or to mitigate excessive inflammation. Its dual roles in immunity make CLEC10A a critical molecule in understanding disease mechanisms and developing immunotherapies.