Cell adhesion molecule that mediates both heterotypic cell-cell contacts via its interaction with CD6, as well as homotypic cell-cell contacts (PubMed:7760007, PubMed:15496415, PubMed:15048703, PubMed:16352806, PubMed:23169771, PubMed:24945728). Promotes T-cell activation and proliferation via its interactions with CD6 (PubMed:15048703, PubMed:16352806, PubMed:24945728). Contributes to the formation and maturation of the immunological synapse via its interactions with CD6 (PubMed:15294938, PubMed:16352806). Mediates homotypic interactions with cells that express ALCAM (PubMed:15496415, PubMed:16352806). Required for normal hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in the bone marrow (PubMed:24740813). Mediates attachment of dendritic cells onto endothelial cells via homotypic interaction (PubMed:23169771). Inhibits endothelial cell migration and promotes endothelial tube formation via homotypic interactions (PubMed:15496415, PubMed:23169771). Required for normal organization of the lymph vessel network. Required for normal hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in the bone marrow. Plays a role in hematopoiesis, required for normal numbers of hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow. Promotes in vitro osteoblast proliferation and differentiation (By similarity). Promotes neurite extension, axon growth and axon guidance, axons grow preferentially on surfaces that contain ALCAM. Mediates outgrowth and pathfinding for retinal ganglion cell axons (By similarity).
