This gene encodes one of two neuropilins， which contain specific protein domains which allow them to participate in several different types of signaling pathways that control cell migration. Neuropilins contain a large N-terminal extracellular domain， made up of complement-binding， coagulation factor V/VIII， and meprin domains. These proteins also contains a short membrane-spanning domain and a small cytoplasmic domain. Neuropilins bind many ligands and various types of co-receptors;they affect cell survival， migration， and attraction. Some of the ligands and co-receptors bound by neuropilins are vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and semaphorin family members. This protein has also been determined to act as a co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19) to infect host cells.