Immunomodulation of voltage-dependent K+ channels in macrophages: molecular and biophysical consequences.

ABSTRACT: Voltage-dependent potassium (K(v)) channels play a pivotal role in the modulation of macrophage physiology. Macrophages are professional antigen-presenting cells and produce inflammatory and immunoactive substances that modulate the immune response. Blockage of K(v) channels by specific antagonists decreases macrophage cytokine production and inhibits proliferation. Numerous pharmacological agents exert their effects on specific target cells by modifying the activity of their plasma membrane ion channels. Investigation of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of potassium ion conduction is, therefore, essential to the understanding of potassium channel functions in the immune response to infection and inflammation. Here, we demonstrate that the biophysical properties of voltage-depende

SUBMITTER: Villalonga N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2812499 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature