Activated T-cells inhibit neurogenesis by releasing granzyme B: rescue by Kv1.3 blockers

J Neurosci. 2010 Apr 7;30(14):5020-7. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0311-10.2010.

Abstract

There is a great need for pharmacological approaches to enhance neural progenitor cell (NPC) function particularly in neuroinflammatory diseases with failed neuroregeneration. In diseases such as multiple sclerosis and stroke, T-cell infiltration occurs in periventricular zones where NPCs are located and is associated with irreversible neuronal loss. We studied the effect of T-cell activation on NPC functions. NPC proliferation and neuronal differentiation were impaired by granzyme B (GrB) released by the T-cells. GrB mediated its effects by the activation of a Gi-protein-coupled receptor leading to decreased intracellular levels of cAMP and subsequent expression of the voltage-dependent potassium channel, Kv1.3. Importantly, blocking channel activity with margatoxin or blocking its expression reversed the inhibitory effects of GrB on NPCs. We have thus identified a novel pathway in neurogenesis. The increased expression of Kv1.3 in pathological conditions makes it a novel target for promoting neurorestoration.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Fetus
  • Granzymes / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Kv1.3 Potassium Channel / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Kv1.3 Potassium Channel / biosynthesis
  • Kv1.3 Potassium Channel / physiology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Activation / physiology*
  • Neural Inhibition / drug effects
  • Neural Inhibition / physiology*
  • Neurogenesis / drug effects
  • Neurogenesis / physiology*
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / enzymology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Stem Cells / enzymology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / enzymology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Kv1.3 Potassium Channel
  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Granzymes