Regulation of immune cell responses by semaphorins and their receptors

Cell Mol Immunol. 2010 Mar;7(2):83-8. doi: 10.1038/cmi.2009.111. Epub 2010 Feb 1.

Abstract

Semaphorins were originally identified as axon guidance factors involved in the development of the neuronal system. However, accumulating evidence indicates that several members of semaphorins, so-called 'immune semaphorins', are crucially involved in various phases of immune responses. These semaphorins regulate both immune cell interactions and immune cell trafficking during physiological and pathological immune responses. Here, we review the following two functional aspects of semaphorins and their receptors in immune responses: their functions in cell-cell interactions and their involvement in immune cell trafficking.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Communication
  • Cell Movement
  • Humans
  • Lymphoid Tissue / cytology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / immunology*
  • Lymphoid Tissue / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Semaphorins / immunology*
  • Semaphorins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Semaphorins