Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv1.3

Title: Immunosuppressive effects of a Kv1.3 inhibitor.

Authors: Kashmira Shah, J Tom Blake, Christopher Huang, Paul Fischer, Gloria C Koo

Journal, date & volume: Cell. Immunol., 2003 Feb , 221, 100-6

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12747950

Abstract
The voltage gated potassium channel (Kv1.3) has been shown to play a role in immune responsiveness. Blockade of the channel led to diminution of T cell activation and delayed type hypersensitivity. Previous in vitro studies of the blockade were focused on T cell activation and proliferation. In this study we examined other T and monocytic cell mediated events to glean the extent of the immunosuppressive effects of a Kv1.3 specific inhibitor, Margatoxin (MgTX). We found that MgTX inhibited the intracellular production of Th-1 as well as Th-2 cytokines. MgTX can also inhibit IL-2 production and proliferation of T cells upon stimulation with anti-CD3 and VCAM-1. Furthermore, a redirected cytolytic activity was also inhibited by MgTX. However, MgTX did not inhibit generation of CTL to EBV transformed lymphoma cells or antibody-dependent cellular cytolysis mediated by monocytes. It appears that a Kv1.3 blockade does not affect all immune responses, particularly those of innate immunity.