A new member of the C-type lectin family is a modulator of the mast cell secretory response.

A glycoprotein identified on RBL-2H3 cells as capable of inhibiting the secretory response induced by the type I Fc epsilon receptor was named mast-cell-function-associated antigen (MAFA). The amino acid sequence deduced from the cloned full-length cDNA has now shown that the MAFA has marked sequence homology with several members of the C-type (calcium-dependent) animal lectin family. The high conservation of cysteinyl residues suggests an important role for intrachain disulfide bonds in attaining its structure and biological activity. We further show that MAFA clustering by monoclonal antibody G63 also inhibits the de novo synthesis and secretion of interleukin-6 induced by the Fc epsilon RI stimulus. Though no ligand has yet been identified for the MAFA, experiments using antisense oligonucleotides suggest that this novel lectin may have a role in cell adhesion in addition to its immunomodulatory capacity.