Connexins and pannexins in the immune system and lymphatic organs

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2015 Aug;72(15):2899-910. doi: 10.1007/s00018-015-1966-3. Epub 2015 Jun 23.

Abstract

Connexin43 and pannexin1 are found in immune cells. While gap junctional communication has been demonstrated between immune cells, hemichannels have been implicated in many cellular functions. Among the functions involved as being connexin dependent and pannexin dependent are cell migration, phagocytosis, antigen presentation, T-cell reactivity and B-cell responses. Surprisingly, many of these connexin-related and pannexin-related functions are not recapitulated in in vivo models. This is leading to a reevaluation of the role of these proteins in immune function.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Connexins / metabolism*
  • Gap Junctions / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune System / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Connexins