The regulatory role of semaphorin 3E in allergic asthma

Semaphorins were originally discovered as essential mediators involved in regulation of axonal growth during development of the nervous system. Ubiquitously expressed on various organs, they control several cellular functions by regulating essential signaling pathways. Among them, semaphorin3E binds plexinD1 as the primary receptor and mediates regulatory effects on cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis considered major physiological and pathological features in health and disease. Recent in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence demonstrate a key regulator role of semaphorin3E on airway inflammation, hyperresponsivenss and remodeling in allergic asthma. Herein, we aim to provide a broad overview of the biology of semaphorin family and review the recently discovered regulatory role of semaphorin3E in modulating immune cells and structural cells function in the airways. These findings support the concept of semaphorin3E/plexinD1 axis as a therapeutic target in allergic asthma.