Semaphorin-7A (SEMA7A)

Semaphorin-7A (SEMA7A) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane protein belonging to the semaphorin family, specifically class 7, and is the only semaphorin known to be GPI-anchored[1][4]. It is encoded by the SEMA7A gene located on chromosome 15 and expressed in diverse tissues including the immune, nervous, and vascular systems[1]. SEMA7A functions as a key signaling molecule involved in axonal growth, cell migration, immune cell activation, cytokine induction, and fibrosis. Its activity is mainly mediated via interaction with receptors such as plexin C1 and integrins (e.g., β1 and α1β1)[4]. SEMA7A acts as a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic factor in several pathological conditions, including cancer progression, chronic inflammation, tissue fibrosis, asthma, and neurodevelopmental disorders[2][4][5]. It also serves as a blood group antigen, known as JMH (John Milton Hagen). SEMA7A is being investigated as a potential therapeutic target, with research interest in monoclonal antibodies and integrin pathway inhibitors to modulate its signaling for treatment of inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer[4][5].

Other names

Semaphorin-7ASEMA7ACD108SEMALSema K1Sema LH-Sema-LCDw108John-Milton-Hagen blood group antigenJohn Milton Hagen blood groupH-Sema K1PFIC11SEMAK1JMHsemaphorin-K1semaphorin-L

Mechanism of action for drugs targeting SEMA7A typically involves ligand blockade (e.g., neutralizing antibodies against SEMA7A), receptor inhibition (e.g., blockade of β1 integrin), or downregulation of SEMA7A expression or its cleavage from the cell surface.