CD205 (DEC-205): a recognition receptor for apoptotic and necrotic self.

CD205 is an endocytic receptor that is expressed at high levels by cortical thymic epithelial cells and by dendritic cell (DC) subsets, including the splenic CD8+ DC population that is responsible for cross-presentation of apoptotic cell-derived antigens. Antigen endocytosed via CD205 enters the MHC class I and MHC class II antigen presentation pathways and is subsequently presented to both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Despite the known role of CD205 in antigen uptake, the nature of the ligands bound by CD205 has not been determined, and most studies have relied on the use of monoclonal antibodies as surrogate ligands.

Altered expression and endocytic function of CD205 in human dendritic cells, and detection of a CD205-DCL-1 fusion protein upon dendritic cell maturation.

CD205 (DEC-205) is a member of the macrophage mannose receptor family of C-type lectins. These molecules are known to mediate a wide variety of biological functions including the capture and internalization of ligands for subsequent processing and presentation by dendritic cells. Although its ligands await identification, the endocytic properties of CD205 make it an ideal target for those wishing to design vaccines and targeted immunotherapies.

Bone morphogenetic protein 2/4 signaling regulates early thymocyte differentiation.

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2 and BMP4 are involved in the development of many tissues. In this study, we show that BMP2/4 signaling is involved in thymocyte development. Our data suggest that termination of BMP2/4 signaling is necessary for differentiation of CD44(+)CD25(-)CD4(-)CD8(-) double negative (DN) cells along the T cell lineage.