The class 6 semaphorin SEMA6A is induced by interferon-gamma and defines an activation status of langerhans cells observed in pathological situations.

ABSTRACT: Originally implicated in axon guidance, semaphorins represent a large family of molecules that are now known to be expressed in the immune system. Among different semaphorins tested by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in human immune cells, the expression of class 6 transmembrane semaphorin SEMA6A was restricted to dendritic cells (DCs). Using in-house generated monoclonal antibodies, SEMA6A expression appeared further restricted to Langerhans cells (LCs). In vivo, SEMA6A mRNA was expressed in freshly isolated skin LCs but SEMA6A protein was not detectable on normal skin and tonsillar epithelium. Of interest, SEMA6A protein was strongly expressed on skin and bone LCs and on LCs in draining lymph nodes from patients with LC histiocytosis or dermatopathic lymphadenitis, respec

SUBMITTER: Gautier G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1606484 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature