K+ channels and T-cell synapses: the molecular background for efficient immunomodulation is shaping up.
Diverse K(+) channels exhibit differential expression and function in human lymphocytes. Voltage-gated and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels have a significant impact on both T-cell activation and the overall immune response. A recent study on the plasma membrane organization of Kv1.3 K(+) channels in human T cells provides new insights into the immunoregulatory functions of K(+) channels, which might result in new and improved immune suppression protocols targeted to ion channels and/or T-cell signaling and accessory molecules.
Matkó
János
J
Department of Immunology, Eötvös Lorand University, Pázmány P. sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary. matko@cerebrus.elte.hu
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D002455:Cell Division; D006801:Humans; D051660:Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D015640:Ion Channel Gating; D051664:Kv1.3 Potassium Channel; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D051660:Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; C496973:KCNA3 protein, human; C496923:KCNN4 protein, human; D051664:Kv1.3 Potassium Channel; D015221:Potassium Channels; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D002118:Calcium