REVIEW: NMDA Receptors in Immune Competent Cells

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A. A. Boldyrev^1,2*, E. A. Bryushkova¹, and E. A. Vladychenskaya¹

¹International Biotechnological Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; fax: (495) 939-1398; E-mail: aaboldyrev@mail.ru

²Laboratory of Clinical Neurochemistry, Research Center of Neurology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Volokolamskoe Shosse 80, 123367 Moscow, Russia; fax: (495) 490-2408; E-mail: eavlad@list.ru; kitty_scarlett@mail.ru

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received July 9, 2011; Revision received August 17, 2011

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This review presents analysis of literature data indicating the presence of NMDA-type glutamate receptors in several types of immune competent cells such as thymocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. The possible role of these receptors in the function of these cells is discussed. The interaction of the receptors with certain ligands circulating in the bloodstream and their role in modulation of immune function is described. It is suggested that homocysteine ​​acts as modulator of these receptors, and its toxicity is largely explained by hyperactivation of the NMDA-type glutamate receptors.

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KEY WORDS: NMDA receptors, lymphocytes, neutrophils, thymocytes

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297912020022

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