Potassium channels as therapeutic targets for autoimmune disorders.
In human T-lymphocytes, the voltage-gated Kv1.3 channel and the Ca(2+)-activated IKCa1 channel play an important role in Ca2+ signaling, activation, adhesion and migration and have, therefore, long been regarded as attractive targets for immunotherapy. Here, we review the pharmacology of the two channels, their expression pattern in naïve and memory T-cells and their functional roles during T-cell activation, and explain the rationale for the use of Kv1.3 blockers for the therapy of T-cell mediated autoimmune diseases.
University of California, Davis Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Tupper Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Heike
H
Wulff
Christine
C
Beeton
K George
KG
Chandy
D006801:Humans; D051660:Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D051664:Kv1.3 Potassium Channel; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D010641:Phenotype; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D051660:Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; C496973:KCNA3 protein, human; C496923:KCNN4 protein, human; D051664:Kv1.3 Potassium Channel; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers; D015221:Potassium Channels; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated