Controlling ion channel function with renewable recombinant antibodies

Selective ion channel modulators play a critical role in physiology in defining the contribution of specific ion channels to physiological function and as proof of concept for novel therapeutic strategies. Antibodies are valuable research tools that have broad uses including defining the expression and localization of ion channels in native tissue, and capturing ion channel proteins for subsequent analyses. In this review, we detail how renewable and recombinant antibodies can be used to control ion channel function. We describe the different forms of renewable and recombinant antibodies that have been used and the mechanisms by which they modulate ion channel function. We highlight the use of recombinant antibodies that are expressed intracellularly (intrabodies) as genetically encoded tools to control ion channel function. We also offer perspectives of avenues of future research that may be opened by the application of emerging technologies for engineering recombinant antibodies for enhanced utility in ion channel research. Overall, this review provides insights that may help stimulate and guide interested researchers to develop and incorporate renewable and recombinant antibodies as valuable tools to control ion channel function.

Automated summary

Selective ion channel modulators are important in studying physiological function and developing therapeutic strategies. Renewable and recombinant antibodies can be used to control ion channel function, and this review discusses their different forms and mechanisms. Intrabodies, a type of recombinant antibody expressed intracellularly, are highlighted as a genetic tool to control ion channel function. The review also suggests potential future research directions for engineering recombinant antibodies for enhanced utility in ion channel research.