TRESK channel as a potential target to treat T-cell mediated immune dysfunction

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Dec 25;390(4):1102-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.10.076. Epub 2009 Oct 21.

Abstract

In this review, we propose that TRESK background K(+) channel could serve as a potential therapeutic target for T-cell mediated immune dysfunction. TRESK has many immune function-related properties. TRESK is abundantly expressed in the thymus, the spleen, and human leukemic T-lymphocytes. TRESK is highly activated by Ca(2+), calcineurin, acetylcholine, and histamine which induce hypertrophy, whereas TRESK is inhibited by immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporin A and FK506. Cyclosporine A and FK506 target the binding site of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) to inhibit calcineurin. Interestingly, TRESK possesses an NFAT-like docking site that is present at its intracellular loop. Calcineurin has been found to interact with TRESK via specific NFAT-like docking site. When the T-cell is activated, calcineurin can bind to the NFAT-docking site of TRESK. The activation of both TRESK and NFAT via Ca(2+)-calcineurin-NFAT/TRESK pathway could modulate the transcription of new genes in addition to regulating several aspects of T-cell function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcineurin / metabolism
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cyclosporine / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Immune System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
  • NFATC Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Potassium Channels / agonists
  • Potassium Channels / drug effects*
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Tacrolimus / pharmacology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • KCNK18 protein, human
  • NFATC Transcription Factors
  • Potassium Channels
  • Cyclosporine
  • Calcineurin
  • Calcium
  • Tacrolimus