Cell adhesion molecule that mediates cell-cell contacts and regulates T-cell responses via its interaction with ALCAM/CD166 (PubMed:15048703, PubMed:15294938, PubMed:16352806, PubMed:16914752, PubMed:24584089, PubMed:24945728). Contributes to signaling cascades triggered by activation of the TCR/CD3 complex (PubMed:24584089). Functions as a costimulatory molecule; promotes T-cell activation and proliferation (PubMed:15294938, PubMed:16352806, PubMed:16914752). Contributes to the formation and maturation of the immunological synapse (PubMed:15294938, PubMed:16352806). Functions as a calcium-dependent pattern receptor that binds and aggregates both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Binds both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria and lipoteichoic acid from Gram-positive bacteria (PubMed:17601777). LPS binding leads to the activation of signaling cascades and down-stream MAP kinases (PubMed:17601777). Mediates activation of the inflammatory response and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to LPS (PubMed:17601777).
