Peptides International Researcher's Possible Autoimmune Disease Treatment Published

Peptides International announces publication of peer-reviewed scientific paper outlining possible applications of peptide toxins for drug discovery relating to autoimmune diseases.
By: Robert Brousseau
 
Aug. 31, 2011 - PRLog -- Peptides International Inc. is proud to recognize the publication of a scientific paper co-authored by their Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Michael Pennington.   As the author of over 85 peer reviewed scientific articles, this is Dr. Pennington’s first since recently arriving at Peptides International, and reflects his continuing interest in the use of peptide toxins for drug discovery for autoimmune diseases.  The paper is entitled Analogs of the Sea Anemone Potassium Channel Blocker ShK for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases and appears in Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets, 2011, volume 10  (available e-published prior to publication).  Dr. Christine Beeton of Baylor College of Medicine and Raymond S. Norton of Monash University (Australia) were the other coauthors.

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.

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Peptides International Inc. (PEPNET.COM), is a US-based provider of peptide-related catalog products & custom chemistry services specializing in peptides, reagents, building blocks, & enzyme substrates & inhibitors to corporations & research institutions.
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Source:Robert Brousseau
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Location:Louisville - Kentucky - United States
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