Regulation of human dendritic cell immune functions by ion channels

Dendritic cells (DCs) are highly specialized antigen-presenting cells (APCs) able to induce both specific immunity and immune tolerance. Using information gathered from the tissue where they reside, DCs adjust their functional activity to ensure that protective immunity is favoured while unwanted or exaggerated immune responses are prevented. The remarkable ability of these cells to induce, enhance and orient the immune response, while at the same time maintaining self tolerance, makes them key players in the immune system. Despite the fact that the role of Ca2+ has been clearly established in human DC functions, the link between ion homeostasis, mainly Ca2+, and DC functions is not fully understood. After all, a growing number of works clearly show the role of SOCE and associated channels in the maturation step, and those of K+ channels in migration. This review highlights the key papers published over the past few years and summarizes prospects for the near future.