The protein encoded by this gene is expressed in Langerhans cells which are immature dendritic cells of the epidermis and mucosa. Additionally it is known by the name C-type lectin domain family 4 member K (CD antigen CD207). It is also expressed in several other dendritic cell types including dermal CD103+ DCs and splenic CD8+ DCs. Langerin 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.[5]
^ abValladeau J; Ravel O; Dezutter-Dambuyant C; Moore K; Kleijmeer M; Liu Y; Duvert-Frances Vé; Vincent C; Schmitt D (2000). "Langerin, a Novel C-Type Lectin Specific to Langerhans Cells, is an Endocytic Receptor that Induces the Formation of Birbeck Granules". Immunity. 12 (1): 71–81. doi:10.1016/S1074-7613(00)80160-0. PMID10661407.
^De Witte L; Nabatov A; Pion M; Fluitsma D; De Jong MAWP; De Gruijl T; Piguet V; Van Kooyk Y; Geijtenbeek TBH (2007). "Langerin is a natural barrier to HIV-1 transmission by Langerhans cells". Nature Medicine. 13 (3): 367–71. doi:10.1038/nm1541. PMID17334373. S2CID5090679.
Valladeau J, Dezutter-Dambuyant C, Saeland S (2003). "Langerin/CD207 Sheds Light on Formation of Birbeck Granules and Their Possible Function in Langerhans Cells". Immunologic Research. 28 (2): 93–107. doi:10.1385/IR:28:2:93. PMID14610287. S2CID37296843.
Quaranta MG, Mattioli B, Giordani L, Viora M (2006). "The immunoregulatory effects of HIV-1 Nef on dendritic cells and the pathogenesis of AIDS". The FASEB Journal. 20 (13): 2198–208. doi:10.1096/fj.06-6260rev. PMID17077296. S2CID3111709.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
Valladeau J; Ravel O; Dezutter-Dambuyant C; Moore K; Kleijmeer M; Liu Y; Duvert-Frances Vé; Vincent C; Schmitt D (2000). "Langerin, a Novel C-Type Lectin Specific to Langerhans Cells, is an Endocytic Receptor that Induces the Formation of Birbeck Granules". Immunity. 12 (1): 71–81. doi:10.1016/S1074-7613(00)80160-0. PMID10661407.
Turville SG, Cameron PU, Handley A, Lin G, Pöhlmann S, Doms RW, Cunningham AL (2002). "Diversity of receptors binding HIV on dendritic cell subsets". Nature Immunology. 3 (10): 975–83. doi:10.1038/ni841. PMID12352970. S2CID41018834.
Verdijk P, Dijkman R, Plasmeijer EI, Mulder AA, Zoutman WH, Mieke Mommaas A, Tensen CP (2005). "A Lack of Birbeck Granules in Langerhans Cells is Associated with a Naturally Occurring Point Mutation in the Human Langerin Gene". Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 124 (4): 714–7. doi:10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23645.x. PMID15816828.
de Witte L; Nabatov A; Pion M; Fluitsma D; De Jong MAWP; De Gruijl T; Piguet V; Van Kooyk Y; Geijtenbeek TBH (2007). "Langerin is a natural barrier to HIV-1 transmission by Langerhans cells". Nature Medicine. 13 (3): 367–71. doi:10.1038/nm1541. PMID17334373. S2CID5090679.