Junctional adhesion molecule-like

Transmembrane protein of the plasma membrane of leukocytes that control their migration and activation through interaction with CXADR, a plasma membrane receptor found on adjacent epithelial and endothelial cells. The interaction between both receptors mediates the activation of gamma-delta T-cells, a subpopulation of T-cells residing in epithelia and involved in tissue homeostasis and repair. Upon epithelial CXADR-binding, JAML induces downstream cell signaling events in gamma-delta T-cells through PI3-kinase and MAP kinases. It results in proliferation and production of cytokines and growth factors by T-cells that in turn stimulate epithelial tissues repair. It also controls the transmigration of leukocytes within epithelial and endothelial tissues through adhesive interactions with epithelial and endothelial CXADR.