Dectin-1>/b> is a C-type lectin pattern-recognition receptor, best known as a receptor for β-glucans from fungal cell walls. In cancer, it matters because it sits at the interface of innate immunity, myeloid-cell signaling, fungal/mycobiome sensing, and tumor microenvironment control. Its downstream signaling commonly involves SYK, CARD9, NF-κB, MAPK, and cytokine programs.
There are two broad oncology strategies being discussed:
-Activate Dectin-1 to enhance innate/adaptive anti-tumor immunity, often using β-glucan-based adjuvant approaches or combination immunotherapy.
-Block Dectin-1 in tumors where it is driving suppressive macrophage biology and poor T-cell function.
This is why recent reviews call Dectin-1 a dual-role target rather than a universally targetable pathway in one direction.
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