Pharmacological modulation of Kv1.3 potassium channel selectively triggers pathological B lymphocyte apoptosis in vivo in a genetic CLL model.

Background: Ion channels are emerging as promising oncological targets. The potassium channels Kv1.3 and IKCa are highly expressed in the plasma membrane and mitochondria of human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, compared to healthy lymphocytes.