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Description

C-type lectin domain family 18 member A (UniProt: A5D8T8, also known as Mannose receptor-like protein 2) is encoded by the CLEC18A (also known as MRLP2) gene (Gene ID: 2348174) in human. CLEC18 is a novel secretory lectin that is expressed in all cells but is abundantly expressed in hepatocytes and peripheral blood cells. It is synthesized with a signal peptide (aa 1-26), which is subsequently cleaved off to generate the mature form (aa 27-446). Its C-type lectin domain is localized in amino acids 306-433. CLEC18 is mainly localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and endosome. Although it is expressed in normal hepatocytes, it is absent in hepatocellular carcinoma. It binds polysaccharides in a Ca2+-independent manner and shows preferential binding to fucoidal, beta-glucans and galactans. It also serves as a co-receptor for TLR3 and contributes to the differential immune responses to poly(I:C) and H5N1 influenza A virus infection. Its levels are shown to be up-regulated upon differentiation of monocytes into macrophages and dendritic cells. Significantly higher levels of CLEC18A are observed subjects with hepatitis C infection and this increased level is associated with increased cryoglobulin levels, which may be related to the occurrence of mixed cryobulinemia (MC) syndrome. (Ref.: Huang, YL., et al. (2021). Nat. Commun. 4,229, Liao, TL., et al. (2018). Sci. Rep. 8, Article 17287, Huang, YL., et al. (2015). J. Biol. Chem. 290(35), 21252-21263).