The semaphorins are a family of intercellular signaling proteins that has g
rown to include 19 identified members in higher vertebrates. Several of its
members act as axonal guidance molecules. One participates in signaling in
the immune system. The majority, however, do not yet have known biological
functions. Recent studies have shown that neuropilins and plexins act as r
eceptors for semaphorins. The most important challenge for the future is to
define the biological roles of semaphorins in vivo.