Protein/peptide and DNA vaccine delivery by targeting C-type lectin receptors

Abstract

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are a class of pathogen-recognition receptors that are actively investigated in the field of vaccine delivery. Many of their properties have functions linked to the immune system. These receptors are expressed abundantly on antigen-presenting cells and are considered to be the sentinels of immune surveillance owing to their endocytic nature and the ability to recognize a diverse range of pathogens through recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. CLRs are also involved in the processes of antigen presentation mediated through the induction of dendritic cell maturation and cytokine production. These properties engender CLRs to be ideal for vaccine targeting. Conversely, CLRs also function to recognize glycosylated self-antigens to induce homeostatic control and tolerance. In this review, we will describe the various preclinical/clinical vaccination strategies to target antigens and plasmid DNA to this diverse class of receptors.

Keywords::

• antibody
• antigen-presenting cell
• antigen targeting
• C-type lectin
• DC-SIGN
• DEC-205
• dendritic cell
• gene delivery
• mannose receptor
• maturation
• oligosaccharide
• pathogen-associated molecular pattern
• tolerance
• Toll-like receptor
• vaccine

Financial & competing interests disclosure

VA and GP are supported by an NHMRC project grant (488408). VA and GP are supported by Susan G Komen for the cure project grants, BCTR0600215 and BCTR0600499 respectively. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.