K+ channels and T-cell synapses: the molecular background for efficient immunomodulation is shaping up.

Diverse K(+) channels exhibit differential expression and function in human lymphocytes. Voltage-gated and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels have a significant impact on both T-cell activation and the overall immune response. A recent study on the plasma membrane organization of Kv1.3 K(+) channels in human T cells provides new insights into the immunoregulatory functions of K(+) channels, which might result in new and improved immune suppression protocols targeted to ion channels and/or T-cell signaling and accessory molecules.