Neuronal semaphorins regulate a primary immune response

Curr Neurovasc Res. 2006 Nov;3(4):295-305. doi: 10.2174/156720206778792939.

Abstract

Semaphorins are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including axon guidance, neuronal migration, angiogenesis, cardio- and osteo-genesis. Recently they have also been found to be important for immune response. Sema3A reduces the activation of T cells through its cell-surface receptors, including members of the neuropilin and plexin families. By contrast, Sema4D (CD100), which is expressed on the surface of T, B and dendritic cells, increases B cell and dendritic cell function using either plexin B1 or CD72 as receptors. The transmembrane protein Sema4A is involved in the activation of immune cells through interactions with Tim-2. Emerging evidence also indicates that additional semaphorins and related molecules seem to function in the reciprocal stimulation of T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). This paper discusses the functions of these semaphorins in the immune system, focusing on their roles in T cell-APC interactions.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / immunology*
  • Nervous System / immunology*
  • Neuroimmunomodulation / immunology*
  • Neurons / immunology*
  • Semaphorin-3A / immunology
  • Semaphorins / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD100 antigen
  • Semaphorin-3A
  • Semaphorins