The role of C-type lectin receptors in immune homeostasis

•CLRs develop anti-inflammatory immune responses and maintain host immune-homeostasis.•CLRs promote IL-10 production and functional maturation of regulatory T cells.•CLRs interplay and/or crosstalk with TLRs to transduce signals for IL-10 production.•CLRs regulate intestinal inflammation and provide opportunities for new therapies.

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are important pathogen pattern recognition molecules that recognize carbohydrate structures. Upon ligand binding, CLRs induce a variety of cellular responses, such as respiratory burst, production of cytokines and chemokines, and consequently shaping the adaptive immune responses. Recent frontier studies have demonstrated that CLRs play a significant role in development of anti-inflammatory immune responses and maintenance of host immune-homeostasis. In this review we describe the major CLRs involved in production of IL-10 by immune-related cells and functional maturation of regulatory T cells. In addition, we discuss the potential role of CLRs signaling in regulating intestinal immune-homeostasis and inflammation. Further understanding of the precise role for these receptors on immunoregulatory cells will provide unexpected opportunities for developing new therapies for inflammatory diseases.