Kv1.3 expression on CD4 (+) T cells promotes interleukin-17A-associated airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthma

Background

Different types of T helper cells play an important role in disease severity and treatment response in patients with asthma. The potassium channel Kv1.3 is a type of potentially therapeutic target in T-cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the potential of Kv1.3 as a therapeutic target for asthma and to assess the efficacy of the Kv1.3 inhibitor PAP-1 in the treatment of asthma.

Methods

Kv1.3 expression on CD4⁺T cells was determined using data from public databases. CD4⁺T cells were isolated from peripheral blood samples obtained from healthy individuals and patients with asthma. The mouse models of OVA-induced asthma and Kv1.3 knockout were established. The underlying mechanism was investigated using mouse splenic CD4⁺T cells and BEAS-2B cells. OVA-induced asthmatic mice were treated with the Kv1.3 selective blocker PAP-1.

Results

Based on public data, we determined the distribution of Kv1.3 on CD4⁺T cells, its up-regulation in asthma, and its correlation with Th17/Treg balance. Upregulation of Kv1.3 in CD4⁺T cells was associated with enhanced activation of these cells and airway inflammation in patients and mice with asthma, accompanied by increased IL-17A levels in alveolar lavage fluid. Conversely, Kv1.3 deficiency significantly attenuated airway inflammation, lowered IL-17A levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and inhibited airway epithelial-mesenchymal transition in asthmatic mice. Furthermore, treatment with the Kv1.3 selective blocker PAP-1 attenuated inflammation in lung tissues and prevented airway remodeling in OVA-induced asthmatic mice.

Conclusions

Kv1.3 expression on CD4⁺ T cells was correlated with IL-17A-associated airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma, which may be regarded as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for asthma.

Translational significance

Based on our study, Kv1.3 expression on CD4⁺T cells was correlated with IL-17A-associated airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma, which may be regarded as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for asthma. The treatment with the Kv1.3 selective blocker PAP-1 attenuated inflammation in lung tissues and prevented airway remodeling in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Our discoveries offer novel perspectives for a better understanding of IL-17A-associated airway remodeling in asthma. The development of drugs targeting Kv1.3 holds application value for IL-17A-associated asthma.