Divalent cation signaling in immune cells

• Autores: Benjamin Chaigne Delalande, Michael J. Lenardo
• Localización: Trends in immunology, ISSN 1471-4906, Vol. 35, Nº. 7, 2014, págs. 332-344
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Divalent cations of two alkaline earth metals Ca2+ and Mg2+ and the transition metal Zn2+ play vital roles in the immune system, and several immune disorders are associated with disturbances of their function. Until recently only Ca2+ was considered to serve as a second messenger. However, signaling roles for Mg2+ and Zn2+ have been recently described, leading to a reevaluation of their role as potential second messengers. We review here the roles of these cations as second messengers in light of recent advances in Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ signaling in the immune system. Developing a better understanding of these signaling cations may lead to new therapeutic strategies for immune disorders.