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Published on: December 27, 2016
Voltage-gated sodium channel blockers as immunomodulators
Francesco Roselli1, Paolo Livrea, Emilio Jirillo
1Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. francesco_roselli@yahoo.it
Recent Patents on CNS Drug Discovery
|January 29, 2008
Summary
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) on immune cells regulate lymphocyte activation and macrophage functions. VGSC blockers show potential for treating inflammatory diseases but require further study due to side effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) are present on immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages.
- The precise role of VGSC in immune cell function remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of VGSC in lymphocyte and macrophage function.
- To explore the potential of VGSC blockers as therapeutic agents for immune-related disorders.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Na(+)-free medium and VGSC blockers to assess lymphocyte activation and proliferation.
- Examined the impact of VGSC blockers on macrophage phagocytosis and inflammatory responses.
- Reviewed existing literature on VGSC blockers' immunomodulatory effects in preclinical and clinical settings.
Main Results:
- Na(+) influx via VGSC is crucial for lymphocyte activation and proliferation.
- VGSC influence lymphocyte cell volume regulation, migration, and apoptosis.
- VGSC blockers impair macrophage phagocytosis and inflammatory responses.
- Existing VGSC blockers modulate immune responses, shifting towards Th2 and affecting immunoglobulin levels.
Conclusions:
- VGSC play a significant role in regulating immune cell functions.
- VGSC blockers exhibit immunomodulatory properties with potential therapeutic applications for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
- Further research into novel VGSC blockers is warranted, considering potential side effects of current drugs.
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