Ephrin B2

Ephrin-B2, encoded by EFNB2, is a transmembrane ephrin with a tyrosine-containing cytoplasmic tail and a PDZ-binding motif that support robust reverse signaling. Its hallmark function is vascular identity: ephrin-B2 is expressed specifically on arterial endothelium, where interaction with venous EphB4 draws the artery-vein boundary during angiogenesis, and it is likewise required for lymphatic development. In bone, ephrin-B2 on osteoclasts and EphB4 on osteoblasts form a bidirectional coupling system that balances resorption and formation. Ephrin-B2 also directs neural crest migration, somite segmentation and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulated ephrin-B2 expression has been reported in tumors and in infectious disease models, making it one of the most intensively studied B-class ligands.