Calcium signalling and related ion channels in neutrophil recruitment and function

Abstract

The recruitment of neutrophils to sites of inflammation, their battle against invading microorganisms through phagocytosis and the release of antimicrobial agents is a highly coordinated and tightly regulated process that involves the interplay of many different receptors, ion channels and signalling pathways. Changes in intracellular calcium levels, caused by cytosolic Ca 2+ store depletion and the influx of extracellular Ca 2+ via ion channels, play a critical role in synchronizing neutrophil activation and function. In this review, we provide an overview of how Ca 2+ signalling is initiated in neutrophils and how changes in intracellular Ca 2+ levels modulate neutrophil function.