C‐type lectin receptors of the Dectin‐1 cluster: Physiological roles and involvement in disease

C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs) are essential for multicellular existence, having diverse functions ranging from embryonic development to immune function. One subgroup of CLRs is the Dectin‐1 cluster, comprising of seven receptors including MICL, CLEC‐2, CLEC‐12B, CLEC‐9A, MelLec, Dectin‐1, and LOX‐1. Reflecting the larger CLR family, the Dectin‐1 cluster of receptors has a broad range of ligands and functions, but importantly, is involved in numerous pathophysiological processes that regulate health and disease. Indeed, these receptors have been implicated in development, infection, regulation of inflammation, allergy, transplantation tolerance, cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. In this mini‐review, we discuss the latest advancements in elucidating the function(s) of each of the Dectin‐1 cluster CLRs, focussing on their physiological roles and involvement in disease. The Dectin‐1 cluster of C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs) are structurally related receptors that recognise a diverse array of ligands and are capable of intracellular signalling, inducing a wide variety of cellular responses. These CLRs are involved in numerous processes that are important for the regulation of health and disease .