CD205, also known as DEC-205 and LY75, belongs to the macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) family of C-type lectins. Both human and mouse CD205 share multiple similar structures: an N-terminal cysteine-rich domain, a fibronectin type II domain, and a series of 10 tandemly repeated C-type like domains (CTLDs). CD205 is highly expressed on dendritic cells and thymic cortical epithelial cells in humans and mice. It also can be detected on T and B cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and epithelial cells. CD205 is a novel endocytic receptor used by dendritic cells and thymic epithelial cells to direct captured antigens from the extracellular space to specialized antigen processing areas. It mediates antigen uptake and presentation and cross-presentation to T cells. It has been reported that CD205 acts as a recognition receptor for dying cells, which potentially provides an important pathway for the uptake of self-antigen in the intrathymic environment, and is involved in peripheral tolerance.