Altered Ca2+ Homeostasis in Immune Cells during Aging: Role of Ion Channels

Abstract

Aging is an unstoppable process and begins shortly after birth. Each cell of the organism is affected by the irreversible process, not only with equal density but also at varying ages and with different speed. Therefore, aging can also be understood as an adaptation to a continually changing cellular environment. One of these very prominent changes in age affects Ca2+ signaling. Especially immune cells highly rely on Ca2+-dependent processes and a strictly regulated Ca2+ homeostasis. The intricate patterns of impaired immune cell function may represent a deficit or compensatory mechanisms. Besides, altered immune function through Ca2+ signaling can profoundly affect the development of age-related disease. This review attempts to summarize changes in Ca2+ signaling due to channels and receptors in T cells and beyond in the context of aging.