title: [Role of L-type calcium channels in the calcium response and interleukin 4 (IL-4) synthesis by Th2 lymphocytes]].
abstract: CD4+ T lymphocytes are divided in Th1 cells that produce interferon (IFN) gamma and Th2 cells that synthesize IL-4. These subsets may arise from a common precursor: a combination of IL-12 plus anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) drives Th1 cell differentiation while IL-4 plus anti-IFN gamma mAb favor Th2 cell development. TCR stimulation activates protein kinase C that controls a calcium entry through L type calcium channels in Th2 cells. L type calcium channels are induced during Th2 but not Th1 cell differentiation. In addition, L type calcium channel inhibitors may be successfully used in the treatment of an experimental model of Th2 cell-mediated immunopathology. Thus, this signaling pathway that characterizes Th2 cells can be a target for the treatment of Th2 diseases.
authors.affiliation: INSERM U563, CHU Purpan, Place du Dr Baylac, Toulouse 31049.
authors.forename: Magali
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Savignac
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gomès
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mariamé
authors.forename: Lucette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pelletier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D015847:Interleukin-4; D002118:Calcium