The role of ion channels in the regulation of dendritic cell function

Ion channels, membrane proteins that facilitate the transport of various inorganic ions across hydrophobic cellular lipid membranes, are ubiquitous in a wide variety of cell and tissue types. They are involved in establishing the cell membrane potential and play a role in various physiological activities by regulating ion concentrations within the cell. Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialised antigen-presenting cells found mainly on the surface of the body (skin and mucous membranes), in the mesenchyme of most organs, in the T-cell compartment of the spleen and in lymph nodes. DCs exert an important influence on the regulation of inflammation by activating T cells and producing cytokines. Studies have shown that ion channels expressed in DCs contribute to the regulation of the immune response, making them a key component of the immune system. This review summarises the major scientific advances in understanding the functional impact of ion channels (calcium channels, sodium channels and aquaporin) in DCs, including the regulation of inflammatory responses, antigen presentation, maturation, migration and cytokine production, to inform ongoing studies of ion channel function in DCs.