14-3-3 Proteins regulate K2P5.1 surface expression on T lymphocytes
K2P5.1 channels (also called TASK-2 or KCNK5) have already been shown to be relevant in the pathophysiology of autoimmune disease since they are known to be upregulated on peripheral and central T lymphocytes of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Moreover, overexpression of K2P5.1 channels in vitro provokes enhanced T-cell effector functions. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating intracellular K2P5.1 channel trafficking are unknown so far. Thus, the aim of the study is to elucidate the trafficking of K2P5.1 channels on T lymphocytes. Using mass spectrometry analysis, we have identified 14-3-3 proteins as novel binding partners of K2P5.1 channels. We show that a non-classical 14-3-3 co…
A role for TASK2 channels in the human immunological synapse.
The immunological synapse is a transient junction that occurs when the plasma membrane of a T cell comes in close contact with an APC after recognizing a peptide from the antigen-MHC. The interaction starts when CRAC channels embedded in the T cell membrane open, flowing calcium ions into the cell. To counterbalance the ion influx and subsequent depolarization, Kv 1.3 and KCa3.1 channels are recruited to the immunological synapse, increasing the extracellular K+ concentration. These processes are crucial as they initiate gene expression that drives T cell activation and proliferation. The T cell-specific function of the K2P channel family member TASK2 channels and their role in autoimmune p…