Immature dendritic cells possess a sugar-sensitive receptor for human mannan-binding lectin.

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a collectin synthesized by the liver and secreted into the bloodstream. It has a receptor for microbial structures in its C-type lectin domain and a separate receptor(s) located within its collagen-like region for autologous phagocytic cells. Here we demonstrate that human peripheral blood adherent cells (monocytes) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells are a source of MBL, and that a novel calcium-dependent and sugar-specific MBL receptor is up-regulated in immature (CD1a-positive) dendritic cells. These findings suggest a previously unsuspected autologous function for MBL, perhaps a regulatory role within the immune system.