Roles of Ca(v) channels and AHNAK1 in T cells: the beauty and the beast

Immunol Rev. 2009 Sep;231(1):257-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-065X.2009.00805.x.

Abstract

T lymphocytes require Ca2+ entry though the plasma membrane for their activation and function. Recently, several routes for Ca2+ entry through the T-cell plasma membrane after activation have been described. These include calcium release-activated channels (CRAC), transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs). Herein we review the emergence of a fourth new route for Ca2+ entry, composed of Ca(v) channels (also known as L-type voltage-gated calcium channels) and the scaffold protein AHNAK1 (AHNAK/desmoyokin). Both helper (CD4+) and killer (CD8+) T cells express high levels of Ca(v)1 alpha1 subunits (alpha1S, alpha1C, alpha1D, and alpha1F) and AHNAK1 after their differentiation and require these molecules for Ca2+ entry during an immune response. In this article, we describe the observations and open questions that ultimately suggest the involvement of multiple consecutive routes for Ca2+ entry into lymphocytes, one of which may be mediated by Ca(v) channels and AHNAK1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Desmosomes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ion Channel Gating
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Membrane Proteins