Characterizing semaphorin-mediated immune responses using an antigen-presentation assay

Abstract

Semaphorins, which were originally identified as axon-guidance molecules, also serve multiple functions in various phases of immune responses. In particular, several semaphorins regulate antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DCs) and resultant differentiation of CD4+ T cells. Here we describe a method for investigating both functions in vitro. This method might be used to obtain insight into novel aspects of semaphorinmediated immunity.