Semaphorins: a new class of immunoregulatory molecules

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2005 Sep 29;360(1461):1673-80. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2005.1696.

Abstract

The immune and nervous systems play distinct roles in maintaining physiological homeostasis. Recent data indicates that these systems influence one another and share many proteins and pathways that are essential for their normal function and development. Molecules originally shown to be critical for the development of proper immune responses have recently been found to function in the nervous system. Conversely, neuronal guidance cues can modulate immune functions. Although semaphorins were originally identified as axon guidance factors active during neuronal development, several recent studies have identified indispensable functions for these molecules in the immune system. This review provides an overview of the rapidly emerging functions of semaphorins and their receptors in the immune system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / immunology*
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • C-Reactive Protein / immunology*
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Models, Immunological*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / immunology*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Semaphorins / immunology*
  • Semaphorins / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD100 antigen
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • PLXNA1 protein, human
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • SEMA7A protein, human
  • Semaphorins
  • neuronal pentraxin
  • C-Reactive Protein