Abstract
The population of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is critical for immunological self-tolerance and homeostasis. Proper ion regulation contributes to Treg lineage identity, regulation, and effector function. Identified ion channels include Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+, transient receptor potential, P2X, volume-regulated anion and K+ channels Kv1.3 and KCa3.1. Ion channel modulation represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. This review summarizes studies with gene-targeted mice and pharmacological modulators affecting Treg number and function. Furthermore, participation of ion channels is illustrated and the power of future research possibilities is discussed.
Keywords:
Tregs; Ion channels; CRAC; Kv1.3; KCa3.1; TRP; P2X; VRAC.
© Copyright by the Author(s). Published by Cell Physiol Biochem Press.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / genetics
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / metabolism
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Calcium / immunology
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Calcium / metabolism*
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Calcium Release Activated Calcium Channels / genetics
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Calcium Release Activated Calcium Channels / immunology
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Calcium Signaling
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Disease Models, Animal
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Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
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Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
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Humans
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Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / genetics
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Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / immunology
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Kv1.3 Potassium Channel / genetics
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Kv1.3 Potassium Channel / immunology
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Membrane Proteins / genetics
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Membrane Proteins / immunology
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Membrane Transport Modulators / chemistry
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Membrane Transport Modulators / pharmacology*
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Mice
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Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
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Multiple Sclerosis / genetics
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Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
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Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism
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Receptors, Purinergic P2X / genetics
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Receptors, Purinergic P2X / immunology
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Receptors, Purinergic P2X7 / genetics
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Receptors, Purinergic P2X7 / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects*
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology
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Transient Receptor Potential Channels / genetics
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Transient Receptor Potential Channels / immunology
Substances
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Calcium Release Activated Calcium Channels
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Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
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Kcnn4 protein, mouse
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Kv1.3 Potassium Channel
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LRRC8A protein, mouse
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Membrane Proteins
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Membrane Transport Modulators
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P2rx7 protein, mouse
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Receptors, Purinergic P2X
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Receptors, Purinergic P2X7
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Transient Receptor Potential Channels
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Calcium