Dendritic cells (DC) that express the type II C-type lectin DC-SIGN
(CD209) are located in the submucosa of tissues, where they mediate HIV-1
entry. Interestingly, the pathogen Candidaalbicans, the major cause of
hospital-acquired fungal infections, is found at similar sites. Here it
is demonstrated that DC-SIGN is able to bind Candida albicans both in
DC-SIGN transfected cell lines and in human monocyte derived DC.
Moreover, in immature DC, DC-SIGN is able to internalize Candida in
specific DC-SIGN enriched vesicles, distinct from those containing the
mannose receptor (MR; CD206), which is another Candida receptor on DC.
Together, these results demonstrate that C. albicans has two major
receptors on human monocyte derived DC, these receptors being DC-SIGN and
MR. Targeting of DC-SIGN offers novel opportunities to combat chronic
forms of candidiasis.