Langerin (CD207) is a type II transmembrane protein which is encoded by the CD207 gene in humans. It was discovered by scientists Sem Saeland and Jenny Valladeau as a main part of Birbeck granules. Langerin is C-type lectin receptor on Langerhans cells (LCs) and in mice also on dermal interstitial CD103+ dendritic cells (DC) and on resident CD8+ DC in lymph nodes. Langerin has similar function and structure as a DCs surface protein DC-SIGN (CD209). Both receptors bind similar antigens via the CRD, for instance Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV-1. However, whereas HIV-1 binding to langerin leads to the elimination of the virus, HIV-1 binding to DC-SIGN leads to infection of the cell.