CD205, also known as DEC-205, is a 205 kD integral membrane protein homologous to the macrophage mannose receptor. It is a type I cell surface protein that belong to the C-type lectin family. CD205 is expressed at high levels by dendritic cells and thymic epithelial cells. It is also expressed by a number of other cell types, such as B lymphocytes, macrophages, Langerhans cells, bone marrow stromal cells, granulocytes, epithelial cells of pulmonary airways, and the capillaries of the brain. 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. 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, potentially provides an important pathway for the uptake of self-antigen in the intrathymic environment, and is involved in peripheral tolerance. Antibody-mediated antigen-targeting via the DEC-205 receptor increases the efficiency of vaccination for T cell immunity.