Calcium signalling is important for various functions in virtually all cells. In T lymphocytes of the immune system calcium is necessary for gene expression regulation.
A multi-step process regulates the amount of calcium in the cytoplasm of non-excitable cells including T cells of the immune system. Only three different types of channels for calcium entry through the T cell plasma membrane after activation have been described so far. The EU-funded CAV IN IMMUNE SYSTEM (Molecular mechanism of calcium entry in the immune system) project investigated the existence of a new route for calcium entry.
Further details: Calcium regulation in the immune system