C‑type lectins (CTLs) is a large protein superfamily containing one or more C‑type lectin‑like domains. They are expressed in different types of immune cells at various extents, and involved in immune defense, immune surveillance and immune regulation. As pattern recognition receptors, CTLs play an important role in regulating the host's immunity against microbial infections. This review introduces the expression and function of CTLs in immune cells and summarizes their research progress in the immunity against bacteria, fungi and viruses, so as to provide new thoughts for new approaches to treat various microbial infections.