Quantitative Expression of C-Type Lectin Receptors in Humans and Mice 1/2

C-type lectin receptors, their adaptor molecules and S-type lectins
(galectins) are involved in the recognition of glycosylated
self-antigens and pathogens. However, little is known about the
species- and organ-specific expression profiles of these molecules.
We therefore determined the mRNA expression levels of Dectin-1,
MR1, MR2, DC-SIGN, Syk, Card-9, Bcl-10, Malt-1, Src, Dec-205,
Galectin-1, Tim-3, Trem-1, and DAP-12 in 11 solid organs of human
and mice. Mouse organs revealed lower mRNA levels of most molecules
compared to spleen. However, Dec-205 and Galectin-1 in thymus, Src
in brain, MR2, Card-9, Bcl-10, Src, and Dec-205 in small intestine,
MR2, Bcl-10, Src, Galectin-1 in kidney, and Src and Galectin-1 in
muscle were at least 2-fold higher expressed compared to spleen.
Human lung, liver and heart expressed higher mRNA levels of most
genes compared to spleen. Dectin-1, MR1, Syk and Trem-1 mRNA were
strongly up-regulated upon ischemia-reperfusion injury in murine
kidney. Tim3, DAP-12, Card-9, DC-SIGN and MR2 were further
up-regulated during renal fibrosis. Murine kidney showed higher
DAP-12, Syk, Card-9 and Dectin-1 mRNA expression during the
progression of lupus nephritis. Thus, the organ-, and
species-specific expression of C-type lectin receptors and
galectins is different between mice and humans which must be
considered in the interpretation of related studies.