Role of gap junctions and hemichannels in parasitic infections.
In vertebrates, connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) are proteins that form gap junction channels and/or hemichannels located at cell-cell interfaces and cell surface, respectively. Similar channel types are formed by innexins in invertebrate cells. These channels serve as pathways for cellular communication that coordinate diverse physiologic processes. However, it is known that many acquired and inherited diseases deregulate Cx and/or Panx channels, condition that frequently worsens the pathological state of vertebrates. Recent evidences suggest that Cx and/or Panx hemichannels play a relevant role in bacterial and viral infections. Nonetheless, little is known about the role of Cx- and Panx-based channels in parasitic infections of vertebrates. In this review, available data on changes in Cx and gap junction channel changes induced by parasitic infections are summarized. Additionally, we describe recent findings that suggest possible roles of hemichannels in parasitic infections. Finally, the possibility of new therapeutic designs based on hemichannel blokers is presented.
Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8330025 Santiago, Chile ; Laboratorio de Fisiología Experimental (EPhyL), Instituto Antofagasta (IA), Universidad de Antofagasta, 1270300 Antofagasta, Chile.
José Luis
JL
Vega
Mario
M
Subiabre
Felipe
F
Figueroa
Kurt Alex
KA
Schalper
Luis
L
Osorio
Jorge
J
González
Juan Carlos
JC
Sáez
D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D017630:Connexins / Q000378:metabolism*; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D017630:Connexins