Component of the epithelial apical junction complex that may function as an homophilic cell adhesion molecule and is essential for tight junction integrity. Also involved in transepithelial migration of leukocytes through adhesive interactions with AMICA1/JAML a transmembrane protein of the plasma membrane of leukocytes. The interaction between both receptors also 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, AMICA1 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.
