This gene encodes a member of the C-lectin family, proteins that possess collagen-like sequences and carbohydrate recognition domains. The other members of this family are secreted proteins and bind to carbohydrate antigens on microorganisms facilitating their recognition and removal. This gene product is a cytosolic protein, a characteristic that suggests that it may have different biological functions than other C-lectins. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].