Neuronal Semaphorins Regulate a Primary Immune Response

Title: Neuronal Semaphorins Regulate a Primary Immune Response

Volume: 3 Issue: 4

Author(s): Simona Moretti, Antonio Procopio, Massimo Boemi and Alfonso Catalano

Affiliation:

Keywords: Immune semaphorins, immune system, nervous system, semaphorin pathways, Sema-3A, Sema-4A, Sema-4D

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.

Cite this article as:

Moretti Simona, Procopio Antonio, Boemi Massimo and Catalano Alfonso, Neuronal Semaphorins Regulate a Primary Immune Response, Current Neurovascular Research 2006; 3 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156720206778792939