Skip to main content

MINI REVIEW article

Front. Immunol., 30 April 2021
Sec. Immunological Tolerance and Regulation
This article is part of the Research Topic Hygiene Hypothesis and its Immunological Implications View all 13 articles

The Role of Lectin Receptors and Their Ligands in Controlling Allergic Inflammation

Karin PetersKarin PetersMarcus Peters*Marcus Peters*
  • Department of Molecular Immunology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany

More than fifty c-type lectin receptors (CLR) are known and have been identified so far. Moreover, we know the group of galectins and sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins that also belong to the carbohydrate-binding receptors of the immune system. Thus, the lectin receptors form the largest receptor family among the pathogen recognition receptors. Similar to the toll-like receptors (TLRs), the CLR do not only recognize foreign but also endogenous molecules. In contrast to TLRs, which have a predominantly activating effect on the immune system, lectin receptors also mediate inhibitory signals. They play an important role in innate and adaptive immunity for the induction, regulation and shaping of the immune response. The hygiene hypothesis links enhanced infection to protection from allergic disease. Yet, the microbial substances that are responsible for mediating this allergy-protective activity still have to be identified. Microbes contain both ligands binding to TLRs and carbohydrates that are recognized by CLR and other lectin receptors. In the current literature, the CLR are often recognized as the ‘bad guys’ in allergic inflammation, because some glycoepitopes of allergens have been shown to bind to CLR, facilitating their uptake and presentation. On the other hand, there are many reports revealing that sugar moieties are involved in immune regulation. In this review, we will summarize what is known about the role of carbohydrate interaction with c-type lectins and other sugar-recognizing receptors in anti-inflammation, with a special focus on the regulation of the allergic immune response.

Introduction

There are more than 180,000 entries in Pubmed containing the search terms carbohydrate and immunomodulation. Moreover, there are many patents proposing carbohydrates as immunomodulatory substances. However, some polysaccharides known to bind to CLR, such as β-glucans and arabinogalactans, are already on the market as consumer healthcare products. However, the mode of action of these carbohydrates is predominantly unclear. It is likely that many of these effects can be explained by the interaction of sugar motifs with lectin receptors of the immune system. One function of lectins is to facilitate the uptake of antigens, even though these molecules are more than simple uptake receptors. Several of these lectin receptors mediate signals since they possess distinct signaling motifs. In particular, CLR expressed on myeloid cells play a central role in innate immunity. The CLR are distinguished between those that have an ‘immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif’ (ITAM) and those with an ‘immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif’ (ITIM). Thus, they can mediate activating or inhibiting signals to the immune system depending on the ligand. In addition to CLR, we also know the group of galectins and the group of Siglecs (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins). Most receptors of the Siglec family also transduce signals via ITAM/ITIM domains, whereas galectins are somewhat different in that they are secreted proteins which bind to carbohydrates on the surface of other cells.

In this review, we will focus on the modulation of the allergic immune response of the airways by carbohydrate/lectin receptor interaction. There are several studies that focused on the role of lectin receptors and discussed carbohydrate structures on allergens as crucial factors in allergic sensitization (1, 2). On the other hand, there are known cases where signaling via c-type lectins is exploited by pathogens to suppress the immune response (3). Thus, knowing these interactions could pave the way for therapeutics that could be used for the suppression of allergic inflammation.

One initial event during allergic sensitization via the airways is that epithelial cells become activated and start to release cytokines, which attract and activate dendritic cells (4). After taking up and processing allergens, they migrate to the draining lymph nodes to activate T lymphocytes. Moreover, B cells produce allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), which binds to the surface of mast cells. During the effector phase, mast cells become activated to release histamine and pro-inflammatory mediators, eosinophilic granulocytes degranulate their toxic content and other innate immune cells contribute to inflammation. This type of allergic airway inflammation is the most common one that depends on the activity of T helper cells from the Th2 type (5). However, other endotypes have been described in the last few years that depend on Th17 cells, which attract neutrophils and promote severe disease courses (6). Many steps of this process could be modulated by carbohydrate/lectin interaction. Dendritic cells (DCs), mast cells, granulocytes and epithelial cells, for example, are known to express several different lectin receptors and could, therefore, be modulated by the appropriate ligands (Table 1). Thus, several of the important players of the allergic immune response could be modified by carbohydrates. There are many papers describing a potential benefit of treatment with different types of carbohydrates for protection against allergic sensitization and inflammation. The carbohydrates described range from synthetic oligosaccharides to support the growth of intestinal microflora (27) to polysaccharides isolated from plants (28), bacteria (29) or fungal (30) sources. However, the mode of action is clear only in a minority of examples. In this review, we will focus on these examples. We will discuss how stimulation of these receptors can modulate allergic inflammation and could hopefully be exploited in the future for allergy prevention.

TABLE 1
www.frontiersin.org

Table 1 Carbohydrate recognition receptors (CRR).

Dectin 1 – A Pattern Recognition Receptor Binding to β-Glucans

The CRD of Dectin-1 recognizes 1,3-β-glucans, which are frequently found in the cell walls of fungi, bacteria and some plants. Dectin-1 is expressed in both human and mice on DCs, monocytes, macrophages and neutrophil granulocytes, and exclusively in human also on B cells, mast cells and eosinophilic granulocytes (7, 31). In addition to its endocytotic activity, Dectin-1 has its own signaling cascade. It does not have a complete ITAM, which would contain two tyrosines. Nevertheless, after ligand-binding and phosphorylation of the tyrosine, the ‘spleen tyrosine kinase’ (SYK) is activated. Subsequently, the formation of the CARD9/Bcl10/Malt-1 complex leads to the activation of NF-κB and, thus, to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (32, 33). In the case of DCs, the activation of Dectin-1 leads to their maturation and, thus, to a strong T-cell stimulatory capacity. Dectin-1 activated-DCs initiate mainly a Th1 and Th17 immune response (34).

Despite this immunostimulatory role of Dectin-1, there are some reports revealing a beneficial role of Dectin-1 stimulation in the prevention or control of allergic asthma. Invertebrate tropomyosin, for example, a ubiquitous arthropod-derived molecule, was shown to be a dectin-1 ligand that serves to restrain IL-33 release, thus, dampening type 2 immunity in healthy individuals (35). In this context, the immune modulation is likely to be mediated via an influence on the airway epithelium and not by a direct effect on DCs (Figure 1A). However, stimulation with a well-known Dectin ligand, namely Curdlan, also led to reduced allergy (36). In this paper, the authors showed that the activation of antigen-presenting cells is involved, which lead to the generation of the interleukin (IL)-10-producing T-helper via ICOS interaction.

FIGURE 1
www.frontiersin.org

Figure 1 Impact of carbohydrate recognition receptors and their ligands on the modulation of allergic inflammation. (A) Binding of arthropod tropomyosin to Dectin-1 on airway epithelial cells inhibits IL-33 release. (B) DCIR is known for its inhibiting signaling properties. If sialic acid-rich antibodies are bound by DCIR on DCs they are able to induce regulatory T cells. (C) Ligation of DC-SIGN can induce prolonged IL-10 production. The ligand arabinogalactan reduces the activation of NFκb and T-cell stimulatory capacity of human DCs. (D) Siglecs are membrane spanning receptors with signaling properties. Siglec F signaling induces apoptosis of eosinophils, Siglec E inhibits neutrophils. (E) Galectins are secreted proteins which bind to the glycocalyx of cells. In the group of galectins, three members are known to lower the allergic response by different mechanisms. BAL, broncho alveolar lavage; Gal, Galectin; ManLAM, mannosylated Lipoarabinomannan; IVIg, intravenous Immunoglobulins; HMW-HA, high molecular weight hyaluronan; Neu5GC, N-Glycolylneuraminic acid.

By contrast, other reports showed that β-glucans may worsen allergic asthma by acting through Dectin-1 (37). In line with what is known about the polarizing activity of β-glucan-stimulated DCs, the authors observed that Curdlan induced a Th17 response with increased neutrophilic inflammation and exacerbation of the disease.

Dectin 2 – A Pattern Recognition Receptor Binding to High Mannose Structures

Dectin-2 is described as representative for CLR, whose signaling pathway runs via a coupled ITAM that belongs to a neighbored Fc-receptor gamma chain (9). Dectin-2 is present on macrophages, monocytes and DCs (10). Its ligands are structures with a high mannose content and α-mannans, which are found in fungi (11). The activation of Dectin-2 leads to the recruitment and activation of SYK, which follows a similar signaling pathway as Dectin-1.

Dectin-2 is associated with allergic diseases mainly because house dust mite extracts are able to activate SYK via Dectin-2 and, thus, cause a rapid release of cysteinyl leukotrienes. This leads to a recruitment of eosinophilic and neutrophilic granulocytes and an amplification of the Th2-dependent allergic immune response (38).

In fact, there are no reports in the literature arguing for an anti-inflammatory role of Dectin-2 stimulation. Therefore it seems as if Dectin-2 stimulation is predominantly acting in a pro-inflammatory way and is, thus, triggering an allergic immune response.

DCIR – Immune Inhibiting Receptors Binding to Endogenous Fucose or Mannose Containing Ligands

There is also a group of receptors which show inhibitory activity in addition to activating CLR. Dendritic cell immunoreceptors (DCIRs) have an ITIM instead of an ITAM domain. Two paralogs of this receptor exist in mice. The ‘dendritic cell immunoreceptor 1’ (DCIR1), which is expressed on monocytes, granulocytes, macrophages, DCs and B cells, and DCIR2, that seems to be more restricted to expression in cDCs, are both representative of this group. Fucose and mannose-containing glycans are ligands for DCIR (12).

Only one DCIR is described in human. No exogenous ligands other than HIV-1 have been described for human DCIR so far (39). The intracellular domain of DCIR is associated with the non-receptor tyrosine kinases SHP-1 and SHP-2 via ITIM (40).

DCIR2-deficient mice were shown to be more prone to autoimmunity and have a higher number of DCs underlining the immunoregulatory role of the receptor (41). It is known that intravenous injections of immunoglobulin (IVIg) of healthy donors leads to an alleviation of the disease in different inflammatory conditions in human (42). It was thought earlier that IVIg would act in the sense of passive immunization. However, it became increasingly clear that the glycosylation pattern of the Fc part of the antibodies injected plays an important role in immunomodulation (43). Interestingly, IVIg alleviates allergic airway disease through the interaction of its carbohydrates with DCIR in a mouse model (Figure 1B). The authors concluded from their study that IVIg interaction with DCIR induces a tolerogenic response (44). Thus, DCIR seems to be a valuable target for modulation of the allergic immune response.

DC-SIGN – Pattern Recognition Receptor Binding to Fucose or Mannose Containing Antigens

Another well-known representative of the ITAM/ITIM independent CLR is DC-SIGN. This receptor has a CRD that recognizes mannose- and fucose-containing motifs. Accordingly, ligands for DC-SIGN are found in a variety of pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV, measles virus, Helicobacter pylori, Candida albicans and Salp15 from tick saliva (45). In addition to its endocytotic activity, DC-SIGN has a distinct signaling cascade. After the binding of mannosylated lipoarabinomannan to DC-SIGN, Raf-1 becomes activated, which, in turn, initiates the phosphorylation and acetylation of NF-κB leading to a prolonged production of IL-10 (46). The IL-10-producing DCs are known for their tolerogenic phenotype, in accordance, it was shown that mannosylated lipoarabinomannan-stimulated DCs led to the generation of regulatory T-lymphocytes (47). However, different ligands for DC-SIGN seem to have different effects on DCs. Salp15, for instance, was shown to activate the ‘dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase,’ which, in turn, leads to the degradation of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA (48). Different paralogs of the receptor exist in mice.

Although DC-SIGN seems to play an immunoregulatory role, there are only a few reports that studied the ability of DC-SIGN ligands to suppress unwanted immune reactions.

There are many reports from mouse models on the protective activity of Mycobacteria and their extracts on allergy protection. However, it is not clear whether murine homologues of DC-SIGN are involved in this protection. One homologue of human DC-SIGN in mice is SIGNR1. This receptor was shown to be involved in the induction of oral tolerance to mannosylated antigens in mice (49). Furthermore, it was shown that extracts of H. pylori protect against allergic asthma in a mouse model by the induction of IL-10-producing DCs (50). Therefore, it is interesting to speculate that the protective effect is mediated via a murine DC-SIGN homologue, but, to date, there is no supporting data to prove this hypothesis.

In addition to the ligands discussed above, it was shown that plant arabinogalactan binds to DC-SIGN on the surface of human DCs. The binding resulted in a reduced activation of the transcription factor NFκB after TLR-stimulation (Figure 1C). This led to DCs with a reduced T-cell stimulatory capacity (13). Interestingly, arabinogalactan is a molecule that is found abundantly in extracts of cowshed dust and can inhibit allergic sensitization in a mouse model of asthma, suggesting that it might be also involved in the “farming effect” (51).

Macrophage Mannose Receptor (MR) and DEC205 – Pattern Recognition Receptors for Endocytosis

Both receptors are involved in endocytosis, however, they do not contain an intracellular signaling motif. In addition to macrophages, MR is also found on some DC subpopulations. DEC205 has a broad expression pattern and it expressed on immature DCs, but it is now known to be expressed on endothelium and selected macrophage subpopulations (52). Endocytosis via MR leads to the cross-presentation of antigens via the ‘major histocompatibility complex’ I (53), whereas endocytosis via DEC205 leads to an enhanced presentation of the ingested antigen via major histocompatibility complex II (54). Regarding MR, it is not clear whether it is able to trigger an intracellular signaling cascade itself or this happens in cooperation with another CLR. However, it could be shown that the crosslinking of MR via antibodies (AK) led to cytokine production in DCs involving the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (55). No signaling pathways have been described for DEC205 so far.

After the discovery of DEC205 as an antigen delivery receptor, it was attempted to exploit DEC205 as a potential target to be used in vaccination approaches. Surprisingly, it was observed that antigens targeted into the endocytotic pathway via DEC205 induced a regulatory immune response that might inhibit the induction of immunity (56). Subsequently, this finding was exploited for the delivery of allergens by gene-based immunization using an adenoviral delivery of single chain antibodies directed against DEC205 fused to OVA to target the allergen towards DCs. This treatment resulted in the efficient suppression of an allergic immune response (14).

Siglec – Glycoreceptors Binding to Sialylated Antigens

The Siglecs are transmembrane receptors that bind structures containing sialic acid. They are mainly expressed on immune cells and can be divided into three functional groups. The first group contains Siglec 1 and 4, without any known intracellular signal motifs. The second and largest group includes Siglec 2, 3 and 5 – 12 that contain an ITIM or ITIM-like motif intracellularly. Similar to CLR that contain an ITIM, the signaling cascade involves the recruitment of SHP-1 and SHP-2 and leads to an inhibition of other immunomodulatory signals, which are, for example, induced by the activation of TLRs (57). The third group of Siglecs consists of Siglec 14, 15 and 16 and is characterized by a positively charged residue in their transmembrane domain, through which they can associate with the negatively charged transmembrane domain of the DNAX-associated protein of 12 kDa (DAP12). The DAP12 carries an intracellular ITAM and can trigger a signaling cascade via SYK, similar to the CLR Dectin-1 or Dectin-2. Siglec H is transducing its signal in rodents via DAP12 (58).

Siglecs recognize both exo- and endogenous ligands. Their primary function is probably the regulation of immune responses. However, unlike CLR, this is not done via pathogen recognition since most pathogens are not sialinized.

The function of Siglec F (human functional paralog Siglec 8) has been explored in vivo using antibodies, knockout mice and models where the expression of specific ligands has been altered. Administration of agonistic anti Siglec-F antibodies, for example, reduced the number of eosinophilic granulocytes in blood by reducing the viability of the cells (15). Moreover, antibodies binding to Siglec F abrogate eosinophilic pulmonary inflammation and virtually eliminates lung remodeling in mouse models of chronic allergic asthma (16). Muc5b and Muc4 were identified as endogenous ligands for Siglec F because they carry sialylated glycan ligands (59). Purified mucin preparations carried sialylated and sulfated glycans that were able to induce apoptosis in mouse eosinophils. Muc5b-deficient mice displayed exaggerated eosinophilic inflammation in response to the intratracheal installation of IL-13.

Regarding Siglec E (human ortholog = Siglec 9), it was shown that Siglec E-deficient mice in an LPS-induced lung inflammation model exhibited exaggerated neutrophil recruitment (18). The authors concluded that signaling via Siglec E may control neutrophilic inflammation. Since severe neutrophilic asthma is an endotype that is difficult to treat, using agonistic antibodies or glycan ligands as new treatment options was discussed (19). One natural ligand that was identified is high molecular weight hyaluronan from the capsule polysaccharides of the pathogen group A of Streptococcus. Their binding to Siglec 9 suppresses the activation of neutrophilic granulocytes (60).

N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is a sialic acid that is expressed on nonhuman mammalian cells and glycoproteins and is not present in bacteria. It was proposed to be partially responsible for the “farming effect” because there is a relationship between the exposure toward Neu5Gc in a rural environment and protection against allergy. The immunomodulatory activity of Neu5Gc was confirmed by suppression of allergic airway inflammation in a murine model (61). An involvement of Siglec 8 as the binding receptor was discussed by the authors (Figure 1D) (62).

Galectins – Soluble Glycoreceptors Recognizing Galactose-Containing Molecules

In addition to the group of CLR, there is a large number of other glycoreceptors that play a role in the immune response but are not considered PRRs. Galectins are small, soluble proteins that are expressed and secreted by different cells. Fifteen members of this protein family have been discovered so far (20). Functionally, they are able to influence the differentiation and survival of T cells and their interaction with DCs (63).

Gal-1-deficient mice exhibit an increased recruitment of eosinophils and T lymphocytes in the airways as well as elevated peripheral blood and bone marrow eosinophils relative to corresponding WT mice (21). Moreover, mice had an increased airway hyperresponsiveness and displayed significantly elevated levels of TNF-α in the lung tissue. The authors suggested from their results that Gal-1 can limit eosinophilic airway inflammation by inhibiting the migration and promoting apoptosis of eosinophilic granulocytes.

In order to evaluate Gal 1 as a potential therapeutic protein, Ly et al. have shown that the recombinant Gal 1 protects from allergic asthma in a mouse model (22). The immunomodulatory effects in the allergic lung were correlated with the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway and downregulation of endogenous Gal-1. rGal-1 reduced the plasma concentrations of anti-OVA IgE and IL-17, therefore, it can be hypothesized that it may also act on the Th17 response involved in severe asthma.

Gal-3 gene-deficient mice also showed enhanced disease activity in a mouse model of asthma by Zuberi et al., arguing for a regulatory role in asthma (23). Intratracheal instillation of plasmid DNA encoding Gal-3 led to the normalization of the eosinophil and T-cell count in BALF and a strong inhibition of IL-5 mRNA in the lungs in a rat asthma model (24). It was shown in a chronic asthma model in mice that twelve weeks after the first intranasal allergen instillation, treatment with the Gal-3 gene led to an improvement in the eosinophil count and the normalization of hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. In addition, this treatment resulted in a reduced mucus secretion and subepithelial fibrosis (25), showing that Gal-3 also seems to have some therapeutic merit, although the mode of action in the asthma model was unclear. Regarding the mechanism, Tsai et al. showed that Gal-3 gene-deficient mice have more severe disease activity in a colitis model, indicating that Gal-3 may protect from inflammation (64). Moreover, the authors showed that mucosal inflammation was reduced in the colitis model by treating with Gal-3. There was strong evidence that regulatory T cells were induced by Gal-3.

Regarding Gal-9, it was shown that it can bind to glycoepitopes present on IgE, therefore, inhibiting the activation of mast cells by specific allergens (26). Moreover, the authors showed that Gal-9 attenuated asthmatic reaction in guinea pigs and suppressed passive-cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice, showing that Gal-9 may also be a potent modulator useful for the treatment of allergy (Figure 1E).

Conclusion

We know several different lectin receptors playing a role in not only innate but also adaptive immunity. Some of them serve predominantly as PRR, others rather recognize the glycosylation pattern of self-molecules. Knowing these interactions may open the way to new therapeutics for immunostimulation in, for example, vaccination and for the regulation of exaggerated immune responses, such as allergic inflammation. The focus of this review was to sum up what is known about the carbohydrate/lectin interaction that could be exploited for immunomodulation to prevent or treat respiratory allergies.

We are still at the beginning of this exciting field of research that may contribute to the development of new allergy preventive drugs. However, there are many issues still to be addressed. Although we focused in this review on literature which showed allergy protection by carbohydrates, it cannot be generalized that treatment with carbohydrates always acts in a preventive manner. Many examples are known where carbohydrate/lectin receptor interaction was linked to allergic sensitization. Similar observations were described for experiments with TLR receptor ligands where contradictory results were also obtained, depending on the dose of ligand used and how the experiment was conducted. Therefore, it is very important to consider the quality of the carbohydrate ligand used, the experimental design and the ligand receptor interaction that is involved in all experiments performed.

Furthermore, the majority of the results summarized in this review come from experiments with mice. However, it is important to bear in mind that there are several differences between lectin receptors found in mice and their human homologues. The binding behavior and the signal transduction often differs between the receptors of the two species. Furthermore, several paralogous exist in mice which do not have comparable receptors in human. Thus, when immunomodulatory carbohydrates were identified in murine model systems, it is of particular importance to know the binding receptor to get an idea whether the substance would also act in human in a similar manner.

Due to the increased hygienic measures accompanying the recent virus pandemic, it can be expected that allergic diseases will continue to rise. Effective treatments to prevent allergic disease are urgently needed. There is still a long way until the first carbohydrates will enter into clinical trials, however, it is worth it. There are many examples of how the allergic immune response is modified by carbohydrates and many of them seem to have no pro-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this substance class would be ideally suited for prophylaxis.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge support by the Open Access Publication funds of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. Thanks to Mr. Philip Saunders (Language Support Services, Berlin) for proofreading the manuscript.

References

1. Salazar F, Sewell HF, Shakib F, Ghaemmaghami AM. The Role of Lectins in Allergic Sensitization and Allergic Disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol (2013) 132:27–36. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.02.001

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

2. Hadebe S, Brombacher F, Brown GD. C-Type Lectin Receptors in Asthma. Front Immunol (2018) 9:733. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00733

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

3. van Kooyk Y, Geijtenbeek TB. Dc-SIGN: Escape Mechanism for Pathogens. Nat Rev Immunol (2003) 3:697–709. doi: 10.1038/nri1182

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

4. Lambrecht BN, Hammad H. Dendritic Cell and Epithelial Cell Interactions At the Origin of Murine Asthma. Ann Am Thorac Soc (2014) 11 Suppl 5:S236–43. doi: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.201405-218AW

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

5. Lambrecht BN, Hammad H, Fahy JV. The Cytokines of Asthma. Immunity (2019) 50:975–91. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2019.03.018

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

6. Ramakrishnan RK, Al Heialy S, Hamid Q. Role of IL-17 in Asthma Pathogenesis and its Implications for the Clinic. Expert Rev Respir Med (2019) 13:1057–68. doi: 10.1080/17476348.2019.1666002

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

7. Willment JA, Marshall AS, Reid DM, Williams DL, Wong SY, Gordon S, et al. The Human Beta-Glucan Receptor is Widely Expressed and Functionally Equivalent to Murine Dectin-1 on Primary Cells. Eur J Immunol (2005) 35:1539–47. doi: 10.1002/eji.200425725

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

8. Geijtenbeek TB, Gringhuis SI. Signalling Through C-type Lectin Receptors: Shaping Immune Responses. Nat Rev Immunol (2009) 9:465–79. doi: 10.1038/nri2569

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

9. Sato K, X-l Y, Yudate T, Chung J-S, Wu J, Luby-Phelps K, et al. Dectin-2 is a Pattern Recognition Receptor for Fungi That Couples With the Fc Receptor Gamma Chain to Induce Innate Immune Responses. J Biol Chem (2006) 281:38854–66. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M606542200

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

10. Taylor PR, Reid DM, Heinsbroek SE, Brown GD, Gordon S, Wong SY. Dectin-2 is Predominantly Myeloid Restricted and Exhibits Unique Activation-Dependent Expression on Maturing Inflammatory Monocytes Elicited In Vivo. Eur J Immunol (2005) 35:2163–74. doi: 10.1002/eji.200425785

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

11. McGreal EP, Rosas M, Brown GD, Zamze S, Wong SY, Gordon S, et al. The Carbohydrate-Recognition Domain of Dectin-2 is a C-type Lectin With Specificity for High Mannose. Glycobiology (2006) 16:422–30. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwj077

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

12. Bates EE, Fournier N, Garcia E, Valladeau J, Durand I, Pin JJ, et al. APCs express DCIR, a Novel C-type Lectin Surface Receptor Containing an Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-Based Inhibitory Motif. J Immunol (1999) 163:1973–83.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

13. Peters M, Guidato PM, Peters K, Megger DA, Sitek B, Classen B, et al. Allergy-Protective Arabinogalactan Modulates Human Dendritic Cells Via C-Type Lectins and Inhibition of NF-κb. J Immunol (2016) 196:1626–35. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502178

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

14. Maaske A, Devos FC, Niezold T, Lapuente D, Tannapfel A, Vanoirbeek JA, et al. Mucosal Expression of DEC-205 Targeted Allergen Alleviates an Asthmatic Phenotype in Mice. J Control Release (2016) 237:14–22. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.06.043

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

15. Zimmermann N, McBride ML, Yamada Y, Hudson SA, Jones C, Cromie KD, et al. Siglec-F Antibody Administration to Mice Selectively Reduces Blood and Tissue Eosinophils. Allergy (2008) 63:1156–63. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01709.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

16. Song DJ, Cho JY, Lee SY, Miller M, Rosenthal P, Soroosh P, et al. Anti-Siglec-F Antibody Reduces Allergen-Induced Eosinophilic Inflammation and Airway Remodeling. J Immunol (2009) 183:5333–41. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.0801421

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

17. Crocker PR, Paulson JC, Varki A. Siglecs and Their Roles in the Immune System. Nat Rev Immunol (2007) 7:255–66. doi: 10.1038/nri2056

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

18. McMillan SJ, Sharma RS, McKenzie EJ, Richards HE, Zhang J, Prescott A, et al. Siglec-E is a Negative Regulator of Acute Pulmonary Neutrophil Inflammation and Suppresses CD11b β2-Integrin-Dependent Signaling. Blood (2013) 121:2084–94. doi: 10.1182/blood-2012-08-449983

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

19. Chen Z, Bai F-F, Han L, Zhu J, Zheng T, Zhu Z, et al. Targeting Neutrophils in Severe Asthma Via Siglec-9. Int Arch Allergy Immunol (2018) 175:5–15. doi: 10.1159/000484873

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

20. Johannes L, Jacob R, Leffler H. Galectins At a Glance. J Cell Sci (2018) 131:1–9. doi: 10.1242/jcs.208884

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

21. Ge XN, Ha SG, Greenberg YG, Rao A, Bastan I, Blidner AG, et al. Regulation of Eosinophilia and Allergic Airway Inflammation by the Glycan-Binding Protein Galectin-1. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (2016) 113:E4837–46. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1601958113

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

22. Lv Y, Dai M, Wang M, Chen F, Liu R. Anti-Inflammatory Property of Galectin-1 in a Murine Model of Allergic Airway Inflammation. J Immunol Res (2019) 2019:9705327. doi: 10.1155/2019/9705327

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

23. Zuberi RI, Hsu DK, Kalayci O, Chen H-Y, Sheldon HK, Yu L, et al. Critical Role for Galectin-3 in Airway Inflammation and Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in a Murine Model of Asthma. Am J Pathol (2004) 165:2045–53. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9440(10)63255-5

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

24. del Pozo V, Rojo M, Rubio ML, Cortegano I, Cárdaba B, Gallardo S, et al. Gene Therapy With Galectin-3 Inhibits Bronchial Obstruction and Inflammation in Antigen-Challenged Rats Through Interleukin-5 Gene Downregulation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med (2002) 166:732–7. doi: 10.1164/rccm.2111031

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

25. López E, del Pozo V, Miguel T, Sastre B, Seoane C, Civantos E, et al. Inhibition of Chronic Airway Inflammation and Remodeling by Galectin-3 Gene Therapy in a Murine Model. J Immunol (2006) 176:1943–50. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.3.1943

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

26. Niki T, Tsutsui S, Hirose S, Aradono S, Sugimoto Y, Takeshita K, et al. Galectin-9 is a High Affinity IgE-binding Lectin With Anti-Allergic Effect by Blocking IgE-antigen Complex Formation. J Biol Chem (2009) 284:32344–52. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.035196

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

27. Brosseau C, Selle A, Palmer DJ, Prescott SL, Barbarot S, Bodinier M. Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Preventive Effects in Allergy. Nutrients (2019) 11:1–26. doi: 10.3390/nu11081841

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

28. Yin M, Zhang Y, Li H. Advances in Research on Immunoregulation of Macrophages by Plant Polysaccharides. Front Immunol (2019) 10:145. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00145

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

29. Jenab A, Roghanian R, Emtiazi G. Bacterial Natural Compounds With Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties (Mini Review). Drug Des Devel Ther (2020) 14:3787–801. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S261283

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

30. Smiderle FR, Ruthes AC, Iacomini M. Natural Polysaccharides From Mushrooms: Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Properties. In: Ramawat KG, Mérillon J-M, editors. Polysaccharides. Cham: Springer International Publishing (2015). p. 2151–78.

Google Scholar

31. Taylor PR, Brown GD, Reid DM, Willment JA, Martinez-Pomares L, Gordon S, et al. The Beta-Glucan Receptor, dectin-1, is Predominantly Expressed on the Surface of Cells of the Monocyte/Macrophage and Neutrophil Lineages. J Immunol (2002) 169:3876–82. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.169.7.3876

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

32. Gross O, Gewies A, Finger K, Schäfer M, Sparwasser T, Peschel C, et al. Card9 Controls a non-TLR Signalling Pathway for Innate Anti-Fungal Immunity. Nature (2006) 442:651–6. doi: 10.1038/nature04926

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

33. Underhill DM, Rossnagle E, Lowell CA, Simmons RM. Dectin-1 Activates Syk Tyrosine Kinase in a Dynamic Subset of Macrophages for Reactive Oxygen Production. Blood (2005) 106:2543–50. doi: 10.1182/blood-2005-03-1239

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

34. Gringhuis SI, den Dunnen J, Litjens M, van der Vlist M, Wevers B, Bruijns SC, et al. Dectin-1 Directs T Helper Cell Differentiation by Controlling Noncanonical NF-kappaB Activation Through Raf-1 and Syk. Nat Immunol (2009) 10:203–13. doi: 10.1038/ni.1692

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

35. Gour N, Lajoie S, Smole U, White M, Hu D, Goddard P, et al. Dysregulated Invertebrate Tropomyosin-Dectin-1 Interaction Confers Susceptibility to Allergic Diseases. Sci Immunol (2018) 3:1–14. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aam9841

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

36. Kawashima S, Hirose K, Iwata A, Takahashi K, Ohkubo A, Tamachi T, et al. β-Glucan Curdlan Induces IL-10-producing Cd4+ T Cells and Inhibits Allergic Airway Inflammation. J Immunol (2012) 189:5713–21. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201521

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

37. Zhang Z, Biagini Myers JM, Brandt EB, Ryan PH, Lindsey M, Mintz-Cole RA, et al. β-Glucan Exacerbates Allergic Asthma Independent of Fungal Sensitization and Promotes Steroid-Resistant TH2/TH17 Responses. J Allergy Clin Immunol (2017) 139:54–65.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.02.031

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

38. Barrett NA, Maekawa A, Rahman OM, Austen KF, Kanaoka Y. Dectin-2 Recognition of House Dust Mite Triggers Cysteinyl Leukotriene Generation by Dendritic Cells. J Immunol (2009) 182:1119–28. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.182.2.1119

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

39. Lambert AA, Gilbert C, Richard M, Beaulieu AD, Tremblay MJ. The C-type Lectin Surface Receptor DCIR Acts as a New Attachment Factor for HIV-1 in Dendritic Cells and Contributes to Trans- and Cis-Infection Pathways. Blood (2008) 112:1299–307. doi: 10.1182/blood-2008-01-136473

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

40. Chiffoleau E. C-Type Lectin-Like Receptors As Emerging Orchestrators of Sterile Inflammation Represent Potential Therapeutic Targets. Front Immunol (2018) 9:227. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00227

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

41. Uto T, Fukaya T, Takagi H, Arimura K, Nakamura T, Kojima N, et al. Clec4A4 is a Regulatory Receptor for Dendritic Cells That Impairs Inflammation and T-cell Immunity. Nat Commun (2016) 7:11273. doi: 10.1038/ncomms11273

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

42. Galeotti C, Kaveri SV, Bayry J. IVIG-Mediated Effector Functions in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases. Int Immunol (2017) 29:491–8. doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxx039

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

43. Brückner C, Lehmann C, Dudziak D, Nimmerjahn F. Sweet SIGNs: Igg Glycosylation Leads the Way in IVIG-mediated Resolution of Inflammation. Int Immunol (2017) 29:499–509. doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxx053

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

44. Massoud AH, Yona M, Xue D, Chouiali F, Alturaihi H, Ablona A, et al. Dendritic Cell Immunoreceptor: A Novel Receptor for Intravenous Immunoglobulin Mediates Induction of Regulatory T Cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol (2014) 133:853–63.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.09.029

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

45. den Dunnen J, Gringhuis SI, Geijtenbeek TB. Innate Signaling by the C-type Lectin DC-SIGN Dictates Immune Responses. Cancer Immunol Immunother (2009) 58:1149–57. doi: 10.1007/s00262-008-0615-1

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

46. Gringhuis SI, den Dunnen J, Litjens M, van Het Hof B, van Kooyk Y, Geijtenbeek TB. C-Type Lectin DC-SIGN Modulates Toll-like Receptor Signaling Via Raf-1 Kinase-Dependent Acetylation of Transcription Factor NF-Kappab. Immunity (2007) 26:605–16. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2007.03.012

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

47. Garg A, Barnes PF, Roy S, Quiroga MF, Wu S, García VE, et al. Mannose-Capped Lipoarabinomannan- and Prostaglandin E2-dependent Expansion of Regulatory T Cells in Human Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection. Eur J Immunol (2008) 38:459–69. doi: 10.1002/eji.200737268

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

48. Hovius JW, de JMA, den Dunnen J, Litjens M, Fikrig E, van der Poll T, et al. Salp15 Binding to DC-SIGN Inhibits Cytokine Expression by Impairing Both Nucleosome Remodeling and mRNA Stabilization. PloS Pathog (2008) 4:e31. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.0040031

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

49. Zhou Y, Kawasaki H, Hsu S-C, Lee RT, Yao X, Plunkett B, et al. Oral Tolerance to Food-Induced Systemic Anaphylaxis Mediated by the C-type Lectin SIGNR1. Nat Med (2010) 16:1128–33. doi: 10.1038/nm.2201

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

50. Engler DB, Reuter S, van Wijck Y, Urban S, Kyburz A, Maxeiner J, et al. Effective Treatment of Allergic Airway Inflammation With Helicobacter Pylori Immunomodulators Requires BATF3-dependent Dendritic Cells and IL-10. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (2014) 111:11810–5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1410579111

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

51. Peters M, Kauth M, Scherner O, Gehlhar K, Steffen I, Wentker P, et al. Arabinogalactan Isolated From Cowshed Dust Extract Protects Mice From Allergic Airway Inflammation and Sensitization. J Allergy Clin Immunol (2010) 126:648–56.e1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.05.011

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

52. Kerrigan AM, Brown GD. C-Type Lectins and Phagocytosis. Immunobiology (2009) 214:562–75. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2008.11.003

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

53. Burgdorf S, Lukacs-Kornek V, Kurts C. The Mannose Receptor Mediates Uptake of Soluble But Not of Cell-Associated Antigen for Cross-Presentation. J Immunol (2006) 176:6770–6. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.11.6770

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

54. Mahnke K, Guo M, Lee S, Sepulveda H, Swain SL, Nussenzweig M, et al. The Dendritic Cell Receptor for Endocytosis, DEC-205, can Recycle and Enhance Antigen Presentation Via Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II-positive Lysosomal Compartments. J Cell Biol (2000) 151:673–84. doi: 10.1083/jcb.151.3.673

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

55. Chieppa M, Bianchi G, Doni A, Del Prete A, Sironi M, Laskarin G, et al. Cross-Linking of the Mannose Receptor on Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Activates an Anti-Inflammatory Immunosuppressive Program. J Immunol (2003) 171:4552–60. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.171.9.4552

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

56. Spiering R, Margry B, Keijzer C, Petzold C, Hoek A, Wagenaar-Hilbers J, et al. Dec205+ Dendritic Cell-Targeted Tolerogenic Vaccination Promotes Immune Tolerance in Experimental Autoimmune Arthritis. J Immunol (2015) 194:4804–13. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1400986

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

57. Angata T, Kerr SC, Greaves DR, Varki NM, Crocker PR, Varki A. Cloning and Characterization of Human Siglec-11. A Recently Evolved Signaling Molecule That can Interact With SHP-1 and SHP-2 and is Expressed by Tissue Macrophages, Including Brain Microglia. J Biol Chem (2002) 277:24466–74. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M202833200

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

58. Angata T. Siglecs That Associate With DAP12. Adv Exp Med Biol (2020) 1204:215–30. doi: 10.1007/978-981-15-1580-4_9

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

59. Kiwamoto T, Katoh T, Evans CM, Janssen WJ, Brummet ME, Hudson SA, et al. Endogenous Airway Mucins Carry Glycans That Bind Siglec-F and Induce Eosinophil Apoptosis. J Allergy Clin Immunol (2015) 135:1329–40. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.10.027

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

60. Secundino I, Lizcano A, Roupé KM, Wang X, Cole JN, Olson J, et al. Host and Pathogen Hyaluronan Signal Through Human Siglec-9 to Suppress Neutrophil Activation. J Mol Med (Berl) (2016) 94:219–33. doi: 10.1007/s00109-015-1341-8

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

61. Frei R, Ferstl R, Roduit C, Ziegler M, Schiavi E, Barcik W, et al. Exposure to Nonmicrobial N-glycolylneuraminic Acid Protects Farmers’ Children Against Airway Inflammation and Colitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol (2018) 141:382–90. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.04.051

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

62. Frei R, Roduit C, Ferstl R, O’Mahony L, Lauener RP. Exposure of Children to Rural Lifestyle Factors Associated With Protection Against Allergies Induces an Anti-Neu5Gc Antibody Response. Front Immunol (2019) 10:1628. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01628

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

63. Rabinovich GA, Toscano MA. Turning ‘Sweet’ on Immunity: Galectin-Glycan Interactions in Immune Tolerance and Inflammation. Nat Rev Immunol (2009) 9:338–52. doi: 10.1038/nri2536

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

64. Tsai H-F, Wu C-S, Chen Y-L, Liao H-J, Chyuan I-T, Hsu P-N. Galectin-3 Suppresses Mucosal Inflammation and Reduces Disease Severity in Experimental Colitis. J Mol Med (Berl) (2016) 94:545–56. doi: 10.1007/s00109-015-1368-x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Keywords: carbohydrate, immunomodulation, allergic inflammation, asthma, C-type lectic receptor

Citation: Peters K and Peters M (2021) The Role of Lectin Receptors and Their Ligands in Controlling Allergic Inflammation. Front. Immunol. 12:635411. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635411

Received: 30 November 2020; Accepted: 16 April 2021;
Published: 30 April 2021.

Edited by:

Petra Ina Pfefferle, University of Marburg, Germany

Reviewed by:

Bernd Lepenies, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
Katarzyna Anna Duda, Research Center Borstel (LG), Germany

Copyright © 2021 Peters and Peters. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Marcus Peters, TWFyY3VzLnBldGVyc0BydWIuZGU=

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.