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Cardiovascular Research 2004 62(2):357-367; doi:10.1016/j.cardiores.2003.12.015
© 2004 by European Society of Cardiology
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Copyright © 2004, European Society of Cardiology

Connexins in leukocytes: shuttling messages?

Cindy W Wong, Thomas Christen and Brenda R Kwak*

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Geneva, Foundation for Medical Research, 64 Avenue de la Roseraie, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +41-22-382-7233; fax: +41-22-382-7245. Email address: brenda.kwakchanson{at}medecine.unige.ch

Gap junctions, formed by the connexin (Cx) protein family, are intercellular channels that permit the cytoplasmic exchange of ions and small metabolites between neighboring cells, a process called gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). These channels possess unique properties, including distinctive permeabilities for various signaling molecules, which depend on the connexin member(s) that form them. Importantly, GJIC must be properly controlled as its misregulation might contribute to diseases. Morphological and functional studies have revealed ‘gap junction-like’ structures and cell-to-cell communication involving cells of the immune system. The connexins involved in such contacts have been partially identified in recent years. This review focuses on the potential physiological roles of gap junctions in the development and recruitment of leukocytes as well as in the regulation of the immune response. Furthermore, the importance of GJIC in immuno-inflammatory pathologies is illustrated in atherosclerosis.

KEYWORDS Cell communication; Connexins; Gap junctions; Leukocytes; Atherosclerosis

Time for primary review 16 days


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