Caveolae and caveolin in immune cells: distribution and functions

Trends Immunol. 2002 Mar;23(3):158-64. doi: 10.1016/s1471-4906(01)02161-5.

Abstract

Caveolae are small, cholesterol-rich, hydrophobic membrane domains, characterized by the presence of the protein caveolin and involved in several cellular processes, including clathrin-independent endocytosis, the regulation and transport of cellular cholesterol, and signal transduction. Recently, caveolae have been identified as providing a novel route by which several pathogens are internalized by antigen-presenting cells and as centers for signal transduction. Here, we review the distribution and role of caveolae and caveolin in mammalian immune cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / microbiology
  • Caveolae / immunology*
  • Caveolae / physiology
  • Caveolae / ultrastructure
  • Caveolin 1
  • Caveolins / analysis*
  • Caveolins / physiology*
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune System / cytology
  • Immune System / immunology*
  • Infections / immunology
  • Models, Immunological
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • CAV1 protein, human
  • Caveolin 1
  • Caveolins
  • Cholesterol