Effects of Semaphorin 7A on the diseases of respiratory system

Semaphorins were initially discovered as "axon guidance" cues in neuronal cells, but are ubiquitously expressed in immune, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Based on differences of the structures, semaphorins have been categorized into eight subtypes. Semaphorin 7A is a membrane-associated GPI-linked semaphorin and plays an essential role in the vertebrate neuronal and immune systems. In the respiratory system, endothelial semaphorin 7A not only promotes neutrophil migration during hypoxia, but also plays an important role in lung fibrosis. The present paper reviews the physiological characteristics of semaphorin 7A and its effects on the diseases of pulmonary system. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2013.12.16