Abstract

Calcium signals in cells of the immune system participate in the regulation of cell differentiation, gene transcription and effector functions. An increase in intracellular levels of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) results from the engagement of immunoreceptors, such as the T-cell receptor, B-cell receptor and Fc receptors, as well as chemokine and co-stimulatory receptors. The major pathway that induces an increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in lymphocytes is through store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and calcium-release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels. This Review focuses on the role of Ca²⁺ signals in lymphocyte functions, the signalling pathways leading to Ca²⁺ influx, the function of the recently discovered regulators of Ca²⁺ influx (STIM and ORAI), and the relationship between Ca²⁺ signals and diseases of the immune system.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, New York 10016, USA.
   Email: stefan.feske@med.nyu.edu

Published online 17 August 2007

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