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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.
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