TASK1 modulates inflammation and neurodegeneration in autoimmune inflammation of the central nervous system.

ABSTRACT: We provide evidence that TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channel 1 (TASK1), a member of the family of two-pore domain potassium channels relevant for setting the resting membrane potential and balancing neuronal excitability that is expressed on T cells and neurons, is a key modulator of T cell immunity and neurodegeneration in autoimmune central nervous system inflammation. After induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an experimental model mimicking multiple sclerosis, TASK1(-/-) mice showed a significantly reduced clinical severity and markedly reduced axonal degeneration compared with wild-type controls. T cells from TASK1(-/-) mice displayed impaired T cell proliferation and cytokine production, while the immune repertoire is otherwise normal. In addition to thes

SUBMITTER: Bittner S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3031313 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature