Activated effector memory T-cells (TEM) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.1 Activated TEM cells express high levels of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3, which functions to control cell excitability. Inhibition of Kv1.3 reduces the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, inhibits T-cell proliferation and migration to inflamed tissues, and has been shown to ameliorate autoimmune disease symptoms in preclinical animal models. However, small molecule Kv1.3 inhibitors have failed to deliver a successful drug into the clinic, in part due to lack of potency and selectivity.
We developed a high-throughput, electrophysiological assay of TREK-1 function to identify novel modulators. The assay was optimized to identify both activators and inhibitors, providing comprehensive mechanistic data for high value, limited supply screening libraries, such as the venom fraction library used in this study (Targeted Venom Discovery Array, T-VDA, Venomtech, UK).
Scientifica’s PatchScope Pro is an integrated electrophysiology rig incorporating an inverted phase-contrast fluorescence microscope, motorised XY stage and PatchStar micromanipulators, suitable for patch-clamp recording.