Abstract
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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 640-647 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Current Opinion in Drug Discovery and Development |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 5 |
State | Published - Sep 2003 |
Keywords
- Effector memory T-cells
- IKCa1
- Immunosuppression
- Kv1.3
- Multiple sclerosis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Drug Discovery