These C-type lectins contain a single carbohydrate recognition domain and once secreted, these soluble proteins act in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner to exert their effects on their cognate receptors, where they may stimulate an anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, or regenerative response depending on the tissue type. Cytokines such as IL-22 are major regulators of the expression of Reg proteins.
