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.
The presence of sensory neuron markers, excitability properties consistent with sensory neurons, and evidence of nociceptor ion channels (using both RNASeq and electrophysiology) provides strong evidence that iCell Sensory Neurons have a robust sensory neuron phenotype suitable for supporting pain discovery programs.
Using automated patch clamp technology, we evaluate the potency and selectivity of ten Nav1.7-selective arachnid peptide toxins, which have been fused to the C-terminus (Fc region) of human IgG1.