Vav is a family ofproteins involved incell signalling. They act asguanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for smallG proteins of theRho family.[1][2] GEF activity is mediated via module of tandemDH-PH domains. Vav proteins also appear to exhibit GEF-independent functions. Although it was originally thought that Vav proteins would only be present in multicellular organisms,[1] Vav family proteins have been observed inChoanoflagellates.[2]
Some functions of the Vav protein are important for the immune system. Specifically the ability of Vav to change the cytoskeletal structure of lymphocytes, which is particularly used to "aim" cytokines towards bound pathogens or cells.[3][4]
In humans there are three Vav proteins:
