Figure 1.

Major Kv1. 3/Kv1.5 heterotetrameric forms in mononuclear phagocytes. Cells express Kv1.3 and Kv1.5. Since most studies demonstrate that Kv1.3 blockers abolish Kv currents, Kv1.5 does not form homomeric complexes. However, molecular, pharmacological, and biophysical data indicates that cells coexpress Kv1.5 and Kv1.3. The initial ratio between Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 may vary among different cell types. Upon activation by pro-inflammatory agents (e.g., LPS or TNF-α) cells increase the number of Kv1.3 subunits at the complex (Kv1.3/Kv1.5). However, anti-inflammatory insults (e.g., dexamethasone) generate immunosuppression that decreases Kv1.3, which generates Kv1.5-predominant heteromeric channels (↓Kv1.3/Kv1.5). Different Kv1.3/Kv1.5 molecular ratios are responsible for distinct biophysical and pharmacological properties that lead to diverse functional consequences and disperse results.