The intimate and mysterious relationship between proton channels and NADPH oxidase

Abstract 

Voltage gated proton channels and NADPH oxidase function cooperatively in phagocytes during the respiratory burst, when reactive oxygen species are produced to kill microbial invaders. Although these molecules are distinct entities, with no proven physical interaction, their presence and activity in many cells appears to be coordinated. We describe these interactions and discuss several types of mechanisms that might explain them.

Abbreviations: CGD, chronic granulomatous disease, DPI, diphenylene iodonium, GFX, GF109203X, g_H, proton conductance, g_H,max, maximum g_H, g_H–V, proton conductance–voltage relationship, I_e, electron current, , superoxide anion, pH_o, external pH, pH_i, internal pH, ΔpH, pH gradient (pH_o−pH_i), PMA, phorbol myristate acetate, ROS, reactive oxygen species, τ_act, activation time constant, τ_tail, deactivation (tail current) time constant

Keywords: Phagocyte, Respiratory burst, pH, Ion channel, Gating, Leukocyte