Collectin-12

Collectin-12 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the COLEC12 gene. It is a member of the collectin family of proteins, which are characterized by their collagen-like sequences and lectin domains. Collectin-12 plays a crucial role in the innate immune system, serving as a pattern recognition molecule.

Structure

Collectin-12 is a soluble protein that is primarily composed of a collagen-like domain and a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). The CRD allows collectin-12 to bind to various microorganisms and particles, including bacteria, viruses, and apoptotic cells.

Function

Collectin-12 is involved in the innate immune response and plays a role in the clearance of apoptotic cells. It can bind to a variety of microorganisms and enhances their phagocytosis by macrophages. This protein also has a role in modulating inflammatory responses and may have a protective role in atherosclerosis.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function or levels of collectin-12 may contribute to a variety of diseases, including infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of collectin-12 in health and disease.

See also

• Collectin
• Innate immune system
• Atherosclerosis

References

This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.