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Follow on Google News | Peptides International Researcher's Possible Autoimmune Disease Treatment PublishedPeptides International announces publication of peer-reviewed scientific paper outlining possible applications of peptide toxins for drug discovery relating to autoimmune diseases.
By: Robert Brousseau A type of lymphocyte, CCR7- effector memory T (T EM), are involved in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis. These cells express Kv1.3 potassium channels that play a major role in their activation. By blocking these channels preferentially, inhibition of the activation of CCR7- TEM cells occurs, with little or no effects on CCR7+ naïve and central memory T cells. Kv1.3 channel blockers, such as ShK and its selective analogs, represent a new class of immunomodulatory compounds with a lower risk of inducing generalized immunosuppression. Therefore, blockers of lymphocyte Kv1.3 channels show considerable potential as therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. ShK, a 35-residue polypeptide isolated from the Caribbean sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus, blocks Kv1.3 channels at picomolar concentrations. In addition to their potential application as immunomodulators, ShK and its analogs may also prove effective for the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The paper details the authors’ research of the ShK polypeptide, and their potential application and efficacy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. All three were also recently awarded a highly sought-after NIH RO1 grant, beginning Sept. 1, 2011, providing funding for 5 years to support investigation of new therapies derived from ShK peptides. After the announcement of the publication, Dr. Pennington cited the gratification felt by working towards possible amelioration of suffering these diseases inflict upon millions of people worldwide. # # # Peptides International Inc. (PEPNET.COM) End
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