Disruption of Kv1.3 Channel Forward Vesicular Trafficking by Hypoxia in Human T Lymphocytes

Hypoxia in solid tumors contributes to decreased immunosurveillance via down-regulation of Kv1.3 channels in T lymphocytes and associated T cell function inhibition. However, the mechanisms responsible for Kv1.3 down-regulation are not understood. We hypothesized that chronic hypoxia reduces Kv1.3 surface expression via alterations in membrane trafficking. Chronic hypoxia decreased Kv1.3 surface expression and current density in Jurkat T cells. Inhibition of either protein synthesis or degradation and endocytosis did not prevent this effect. Instead, blockade of clathrin-coated vesicle formation and forward trafficking prevented the Kv1.3 surface expression decrease in hypoxia. Confocal microscopy revealed an increased retention of Kv1.3 in the trans-Golgi during hypoxia. Expression of adaptor protein-1 (AP1), responsible for clathrin-coated vesicle formation at the trans-Golgi, was selectively down-regulated by hypoxia. Furthermore, AP1 down-regulation increased Kv1.3 retention in the trans-Golgi and reduced Kv1.3 currents. Our results indicate that hypoxia disrupts AP1/clathrin-mediated forward trafficking of Kv1.3 from the trans-Golgi to the plasma membrane thus contributing to decreased Kv1.3 surface expression in T lymphocytes.