Charge compensation during the phagocyte respiratory burst

What is it about?

After saying for years "charge compensation by proton channels is necessary to keep the electrogenic NADPH oxidase working," we realize that in addition to compensating charge (to balance the electron flux) proton flux performs several additional necessary functions during the respiratory burst: (1) it prevents large pH excursions in the cell and phagosome, (2) it minimizes osmotic consequences, and (3) protons are necessary substrates to produce reactive oxygen species. Thus, even if charge compensation were not necessary, proton flux would still be required. A mathematical model shows that other conductances can contribute at most ~5% to charge compensation in human neutrophils and eosinophils.

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