The intimate and mysterious relationship between proton channels and NADPH oxidase

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. (c) 2008 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.