Semaphorins 3A and 7A: potential immune and neuroregenerative targets in multiple sclerosis

Semaphorins have been classically defined as axonal signalling cues involved in central nervous system (CNS) development, but in adults these molecules are expressed in distinct tissues and exert various functions under several physiological and pathological contexts. Semaphorins capable of modulating the immune system are particularly relevant in autoimmune diseases, especially multiple sclerosis (MS), which is a demyelinating, neurodegenerative disease. In this article, we compile recent insights into the specific roles of semaphorin (sema)3A and sema7A to clarify the details of their possible participation in the inflammatory and neurodegenerative phases of MS.