Semaphorin 4A/SEMA4A

Semaphorin-4A (SEMA4A) belongs to the semaphorin family which contains a Ig-like C2-type domain, a PSI domain and a Sema domain. SEMA4A is expressed from day 10 in the embryo, and low levels are found between days 10-12. SEMA4A is a cell surface receptor for PLXNB1, PLXNB2, PLXNB3 and PLXND1 that plays an important role in cell-cell signaling. It plays a role in priming antigen-specific T-cells, promotes differentiation of Th1 T-helper cells, and thereby contributes to adaptive immunity. SEMA4A promotes phosphorylation of TIMD2, inhibits angiogenesis, and promotes axon growth cone collapse, Inhibits axonal extension by providing local signals to specify territories inaccessible for growing axons.