Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv1.3

Title: Vm24, a Natural Immunosuppressant Peptide Potently and Selectively Blocks Kv1.3 Potassium Channels of Human T Cells.

Authors: Zoltan Varga, Georgina Gurrola-Briones, Ferenc Papp, Ricardo C Rodríguez de la Vega, Gustavo Pedraza-Alva, Rajeev B Tajhya, Rezso Gaspar, Luis Cárdenas, Yvonne Rosenstein, Christine Beeton, Lourival D Possani, Gyorgy Panyi

Journal, date & volume: , 2012 May 23 , ,

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22622363

Abstract
Blockade of Kv1.3 K(+) channels in T cells is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Vm24 (α-KTx 23.1) is a novel 36-residue Kv1.3-specific peptide isolated from the venom of the scorpion Vaejovis mexicanus smithi. Vm24 inhibits Kv1.3 channels of human lymphocytes with high affinity (K(d) = 2.9 pM) and exhibits >1500-fold selectivity over other ion channels assayed. It inhibits the proliferation and Ca(2+) signaling of human T cells in vitro and reduces delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in rats in vivo. Our results indicate that Vm24 has exceptional pharmacological properties that make it an excellent candidate for treatment of certain autoimmune diseases.