CLEC10A, also known as the macrophage galactose-type calcium-type lectins (MGLs; CD301) constitute a unique class of C-type lectins because of their specificity for galactose and its structural homologues. MGLs/CD301 is a type II transmembrane glycoproteins and is expressed on macrophages and related cells of myeloid origins, particularly immature dendritic cells (DCs). There are 2 homologues: MGL1 and MGL2 (CD301a and CD301b) in mice. MGL1/CD301a induces both the production and secretion of interleukin (IL)-10. MGL1/CD301a plays a protective role against colitis by effectively inducing IL-10 production by colonic lamina propria macrophages in response to invading commensal bacteria.