Check your effectors

Phase Ib data reported last week for Kineta Inc.'s dalazatide gave the first clinical evidence that targeting Kv1.3 channels may quell an active autoimmune response by halting activation of effector memory T cells while avoiding side effects associated with widespread immune suppression.

Kv1.3 channels are voltage-gated potassium channels that are highly expressed by effector memory T cells. These cells are found in epithelial tissues outside of the blood and lymph compartments and are responsible for rapid cytokine production in response to antigen stimulation...