Activated effector memory T-cells (TEM) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.1 TEM cells express high levels of the voltage-gated potassium channel, Kv1.3, which plays a role in controlling the function of TEM. 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 candidate to the clinic; partly due to a lack of potency and selectivity.
Development of a robust hNaV1.9 high-throughput screening assay on the Sophion Qube384 platform. This is complemented by a suite of ion channel selectivity assays and sensory neuron recordings to create a versatile screening cascade to support NaV1.9 drug discovery programmes.
Optical voltage imaging of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes was used to assess electrophysiological effects of compounds beyond hERG inhibition. Action potential waveform analysis revealed compound-specific and concentration-dependent changes, enabling mechanistic differentiation of multichannel activity and demonstrating a human-relevant approach for translational cardiac safety assessment.