HKCA - Dectin-1 Agonist

Heat-killed preparation of Candida albicans

Heat-killed Candida albicans (HKCA) is a non-viable fungal preparation widely used as a source of β-glucans. HKCA activates Dectin-1, a β-glucan-specific pattern-recognition receptor expressed on phagocytes [1]. β-glucans are glucose polymers that constitute a major structural component of the fungal cell wall, particularly in yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. Upon recognition and binding of β-glucans, Dectin-1 triggers phagocytic uptake and initiates downstream signaling pathways, including ROS production, NF-κB activation, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines [2].

β-glucans from HKCA are strong natural Dectin-1 ligands as they are exposed, whereas live wild-type Candida poorly activates Dectin-1 due to β-glucan masking [3].

Each lot of InvivoGen’s HKCA is extensively tested to ensure reproducible Dectin-1 activation. Functional specificity is validated with HEK-Blue™ hDectin1a cells, while HEK-Blue™ hTLR2 and hTLR4 assays confirm the lack of TLR2 and TLR4 contaminants.

References:

1. Brown GD. et al., 2003. Dectin-1 mediates the biological effects of beta-glucans. J Exp Med. 197: 1119- 24.
2. Mata-Martinez P. et al., 2022. Dectin-1 Signaling Update: New Perspectives for Trained Immunity. Front Immunol. 13: 812148.
3. Gow NAR. et al., 2007. Immune recognition of Candida albicans beta-glucan by dectin-1. J Infect Dis. 196(10): 1565-71.