Calnexin is a calcium-binding protein that belongs to the calreticulin family. It interacts with newly synthesized glycoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Calnexin seems to play a major role in the quality control apparatus of the ER by the retention of incorrectly folded proteins. It may act in assisting protein assembly and/or in the retention within the ER of unassembled protein subunits. Associated with partial T-cell antigen receptor complexes that escape the ER of immature thymocytes, it may function as a signaling complex regulating thymocyte maturation. Additionally it may play a role in receptor-mediated endocytosis at the synapse.