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Effector Memory T cells: A highly mature population of immune T-cells shown to be responsible for the tissue damage which characterizes many autoimmune diseases. Effector memory T cells (TEM) were originally defined by their expression of cell surface markers (CD3+, CCR7-, CD45RA-), and can enter sites of inflammation in non-lymphoid tissues, while not participating in the process of lymphoid recirculation carried out by most other lymphocytes. TEMs have been shown to uniquely express high numbers of the Kv1.3 potassium channel and depend on these channels for their function.
Suppressing the function of these cells by selectively blocking the Kv1.3 channel offers the potential for highly effective therapy of autoimmune diseases with minimal effects on either beneficial immune responses or other organs. |
