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Connexins and pannexins in the immune system and lymphatic organs

Aaron M Glass1, Elizabeth G Snyder, Steven M Taffet

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams Street, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|June 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Connexin43 and pannexin1 proteins in immune cells are crucial for functions like migration and antigen presentation. However, their roles in vivo are being reevaluated due to discrepancies in research models.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Connexin43 and pannexin1 are present in immune cells.
  • Gap junctional communication and hemichannel functions are known in immune cells.
  • These proteins are linked to immune functions like migration, phagocytosis, and T/B-cell responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reevaluate the role of connexin43 and pannexin1 in immune cell functions.
  • To investigate discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo findings regarding these proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on connexin and pannexin function in immune cells.
  • Analysis of in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

Main Results:

  • Connexin and pannexin dependent functions include cell migration, phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and T/B-cell responses.
  • Many of these functions are not consistently observed or replicated in in vivo models.
  • This suggests a complex or context-dependent role for these proteins in the immune system.

Conclusions:

  • The precise in vivo roles of connexin43 and pannexin1 in immune function require further investigation.
  • Current in vivo models may not fully capture the functions of these proteins.
  • A reevaluation of their immunological significance is warranted.

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