Regulation of Murine Dendritic Cell Functions by Calcium Channels

Abstract

Dendritic Cells (DCs) are highly potent Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs) that have a key role in mediating tolerance or immunity to self and non-self antigens. In their immature stage DCs are highly phagocytic and undergo a maturation process after taking up an antigen. DC maturation is characterized by activation of mechanisms of antigen presentation, increased expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II and co-stimulatory molecules in the plasma membrane, and secretion of cytokines and chemokines. Despite the fact that the role of calcium (Ca2+) in DC function has been clearly established, regulation of Ca2+ signals in these cells is not well known. However, recently it has been demonstrated that functional capacitative Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC), Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin-2(TRPM2) and TRP Vanilloid- 1 (TRPV1) channels are critical for mouse DC maturation and migration. Also, Ryanodine Receptor-1 (RyR1) signaling activated by L-type Ca2+ channel CaV1.2 cause rapid MHC-II expression in the plasma membrane of DCs. The understanding of the regulation of Ca2+ signals in DCs is essential, to potentially modulate DC functions in disease processes. Therefore, in this review, we discuss recent studies on the expression and roles of Ca2+ channels in DC biology and function.