Dendritic cell–specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) is a cellular receptor for delta inulin adjuvant

Delta inulin, or Advax, is a polysaccharide vaccine adjuvant that significantly enhances vaccine-mediated immune responses against multiple pathogens and was recently licensed for use in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine SpikoGen. Although Advax has proven effective as an immune adjuvant, its specific binding targets have not been characterized. In this report, we identify a cellular receptor for Advax recognition. In vitro uptake of Advax particles by macrophage cell lines was substantially greater than that of latex beads of comparable size, suggesting an active uptake mechanism by phagocytic cells. Using a lectin array, Advax particles were recognized by lectins specific for various carbohydrate structures including mannosyl, N-acetylgalactosamine and galactose moieties. Expression in nonphagocytic cells of dendritic cell–specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), a C-type lectin receptor, resulted in enhanced uptake of fluorescent Advax particles compared with mock-transfected cells. Advax uptake was reduced with the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and mannan to cells, which are known inhibitors of DC-SIGN function. Finally, a specific blockade of DC-SIGN using a neutralizing antibody abrogated Advax uptake in DC-SIGN–expressing cells. Together, these results identify DC-SIGN as a putative receptor for Advax. Given the known immunomodulatory role of DC-SIGN, the findings described here have implications for the use of Advax adjuvants in humans and inform future mechanistic studies.