Lectins and C-type lectins are a heterogeneous group of proteins with a diverse range of functions. Two C-type lectins, found in the Natural Killer gene Complex (NKC), Lectin-like transcript 1 (LLT1) and CD161, have recently gained interest from a broad range of immunological and non-immunological fields. LLT1 in particular has a diverse functional repertoire, from NK cell and B cell regulation to bone metabolism. This review seeks to bring together nearly two decades of research on these receptors and describe their importance in the immune system.
Keywords: C-type lectin-like receptors; Carbohydrate recognition domain; Lectin-like transcript 1; Natural killer gene complex; Osteoclast inhibitory lectin.
Copyright © 2016 European Federation of Immunological Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.