Blocks both Kv1.3 and Kv1.4. Kv1.3 is expressed in the brain and in effector memory Tem (T) cells, and Kv1.4 is expressed in brain cells. Kv1.3 and Kv1.4 are members of the Shaker family of voltage-gated potassium channels. Both channels are involved in setting the membrane potential of neurons. Kv1.3 also maintains the membrane potential for T memory cells and is up-regulated upon T cell activation, contributing to multiple immune processes and disorders. Blockers of Kv1.3 have long been sought for therapeutic benefit, and they are also valuable tools for studying the immune system. CP-339818 is valuable for immune system studies, where the absence of Kv1.4 makes it functionally selective for Kv1.3, and it has shown suppression of T cell activation. CP-339818 is also valuable for the study of Kv1.4 function.
