Herpesvirus saimiri encodes a new cytokine, IL-17, which binds to a novel cytokine receptor.

Herpesvirus Saimiri gene 13 (HVS13) exhibits 57% identity with the predicted sequence of a T cell-derived molecule termed CTLA8. Recombinant HVS13 and CTLA8 stimulate transcriptional factor NF-kappaB activity and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion in fibroblasts, and costimulate T cell proliferation. An HVS13.

Semaphorin 7A promotes axon outgrowth through integrins and MAPKs.

Striking parallels exist between immune and nervous system cellular signalling mechanisms. Molecules originally shown to be critical for immune responses also serve neuronal functions, and similarly neural guidance cues can modulate immune function. We show here that semaphorin 7A (Sema7A), a membrane-anchored member of the semaphorin family of guidance proteins previously known for its immunomodulatory effects, can also mediate neuronal functions.