Plays an important role in integrin-mediated signaling and functions both in regulating cell migration and immune responses. Promotes formation of focal adhesion complexes, activation of the protein kinase PTK2/FAK1 and subsequent phosphorylation of MAPK1 and MAPK3. Promotes production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by monocytes and macrophages. Plays an important role in modulating inflammation and T-cell-mediated immune responses. Promotes axon growth in the embryonic olfactory bulb. Promotes attachment, spreading and dendrite outgrowth in melanocytes. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:12879062, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17377534, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17671519}. This is the function of ENSG00000138623 (SEMA7A, semaphorin 7A (JohnMiltonHagen blood group)).