K+ channels and T-cell synapses: the molecular background for efficient immunomodulation is shaping up

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2003 Aug;24(8):385-9. doi: 10.1016/S0165-6147(03)00198-6.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology
  • Calcium / physiology
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Cell Division
  • Humans
  • Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
  • Ion Channel Gating
  • Kv1.3 Potassium Channel
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Potassium Channels / drug effects
  • Potassium Channels / immunology*
  • Potassium Channels / physiology
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
  • KCNA3 protein, human
  • KCNN4 protein, human
  • Kv1.3 Potassium Channel
  • Potassium Channels
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated
  • Calcium