Wong Cindy W, Christen Thomas, Kwak Brenda R
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Geneva, Foundation for Medical Research, 64 Avenue de la Roseraie, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
Cardiovasc Res. 2004 May 1;62(2):357-67. doi: 10.1016/j.cardiores.2003.12.015.
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.
由连接蛋白（Cx）蛋白家族形成的间隙连接是细胞间通道，允许相邻细胞之间进行离子和小代谢物的细胞质交换，这一过程称为间隙连接细胞间通讯（GJIC）。这些通道具有独特的特性，包括对各种信号分子的不同通透性，这取决于形成它们的连接蛋白成员。重要的是，GJIC必须得到适当控制，因为其失调可能导致疾病。形态学和功能研究揭示了“间隙连接样”结构以及涉及免疫系统细胞的细胞间通讯。近年来，参与此类接触的连接蛋白已被部分鉴定。本综述重点关注间隙连接在白细胞发育和募集以及免疫反应调节中的潜在生理作用。此外，在动脉粥样硬化中阐述了GJIC在免疫炎症性疾病中的重要性。
