The critical role of STIM1-dependent Ca²⁺ signalling during T-cell development and activation

T lymphocytes are key cellular effectors of adaptive immunity able to recognize a virtually limitless number of antigenic peptides and mount an immune response. Ca²⁺ signals are crucial to the development and activation of T cells and Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1) has been identified as a critical modulator of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in T cells. Although the role of STIM1 in T cell activation has been extensively investigated, the role of STIM1 in T cell development has been somewhat controversial. Indeed, deficiencies in STIM1 expression and function lead to both developmental defects associated with the development of autoimmunity yet also interfere with T cell activation leading to severe combined immunodeficiency signifying a multifaceted role of STIM1 in T cell physiology and pathophysiology.