Role of the macrophage-inducible C-type lectin Mincle in the lung host defense against mycobacterial infections in mice

Introduction: The macrophage-inducible C-type lectin Mincle has been shown to serve as a receptor for the mycobacterial cell wall component trehalose dimycolate (TDM, cord factor) of M. tuberculosis. Mincle is associated with FcRγ, an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing adaptor. Therefore, Mincle expressed on activated macrophages may serve to fine-tune innate immune responses of the lung against mycobacterial infections. The aim of the project is to elucidate the role of Mincle in lung protective immunity against inhaled mycobacterial pathogens. Methods: Characterization of Mincle e…