Premium
Semaphorins and neuropilins: new players in the neuroendocrine control of the intrathymic T‐cell migration in humans
Author(s) -
MendesdaCruz Daniella Arêas,
LinharesLacerda Leandra,
Smaniotto Salete,
Dardenne Mireille,
Savino Wilson
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
experimental physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1469-445X
pISSN - 0958-0670
DOI - 10.1113/expphysiol.2011.061515
Subject(s) - semaphorin , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , cell migration , sema3a , neuropilin 1 , fibronectin , receptor , netrin , plexin , chemokine receptor , chemokine , immunology , cell , axon guidance , extracellular matrix , cancer research , genetics , axon , vascular endothelial growth factor , vegf receptors
Cell migration is a key event for proper intrathymic T‐cell differentiation, and several ligand–receptor interactions contribute to the well‐co ordinated movement of developing thymocytes within the thymic lobules. Herein we summarize recent data that place semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and its receptor neuropilin 1 (NRP1) as further players in the physiological process of cell migration in the human thymus. These molecules, as well as class A plexins (necessary for the intracellular signalling transduction triggered by Sema3A–NRP1 ligation), are constitutively expressed by both developing thymocytes and components of the thymic microenvironment, including epithelial and dendritic cells. Functionally, Sema3A decreases the adhesion of human thymocytes on thymic epithelial cell monolayers and exerts per se a dose‐dependent chemorepulsive effect on human thymocytes. Moreover, Sema3A inhibits chemoattractant migratory responses induced by other ligands, including fibronectin, laminin and CXCL12 (chemokine CXC motif ligand 12). These data should be placed in the context of the concept that migration of developing T cells is a multivectorial system, in which the resulting migration vector derives from a balance of several simultaneous and/or sequential ligand–receptor pair interactions. Accordingly, semaphorins and neuropilins can be considered as further players in the system.