The identification of DC‐SIGN, a lectin expressed at the surface of dendritic cells and macrophages, provides new insight into how viruses interact with their hosts. DC‐SIGN was initially described as a ligand for HIV envelope glycoproteins. This lectin does not play the usual role of a HIV receptor, since it does not allow viral infection in absence of CD4 and co‐receptor(s). However, DC‐SIGN promotes viral capture and transmission to permissive cells. From an immunological point of view, captured virions are processed and presented by MHC molecules, inducing the activation of immune responses. Besides HIV, several viruses (CMV, HCV, Dengue, Sindbis and Ebola viruses) and non viral pathogens also bind DC‐SIGN. This review focuses on our current knowledge of the virological and immunological roles of DC‐SIGN.