Selective Voltage Gated KV1.3 Potassium Channel Inhibitors
Treats issues such as organ rejection and/or graft vs. host diseaseTreats autoimmune disorders (blood, endocrine, GI, musculoskeletal, ophthalmologic, skin nervous, vascular)Regulates energy homeostasis, body weight, and peripheral insulin sensitivity
Autoimmune diseasesOrgan rejection and/or graft vs. host diseaseDiseases and disorders that involve abnormal homeostasis, body weight and peripheral insulin sensitivity
T-lymphocytes are key players in autoimmune diseases. Current therapies for T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases typically involve the use of immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants are non-specific and as a result have severe side effects including liver and renal damage. There is a need for new targeted therapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases with lower risk for side effects. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a new class of small-molecule inhibitors that block low nanomolar Kv1.3 potassium channels. By targeting Kv1.3 channels, the predominate potassium channel in effector memory T cells, the molecules preferentially suppress T-cell proliferation. Kv1.3 channels have also been shown to regulate energy homeostasis, body weight, and peripheral insulin sensitivity, lending to their use in such disorders. By inhibiting specific channels, the small molecules provide specific therapeutic effects with minimal side effects.
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Additional Technologies by these Inventors Tech ID/UC Case 29228/2004-642-0 Related Cases 2004-642-0
USA
