Development of Functional Antibodies Targeting Ion Channels

Creative Bioarray has made significant progress in the development and identification of ion channel functional antibodies over the past decade. We are dedicated to helping clients solve problems associated with efficient antigen generation, ion channel expression, and screening methods through a variety of strategies. Our specialized development services for functional antibodies targeting ion channels will accelerate the treatment of diseases covering a wide range of pathophysiologies.

Background

Ion channel proteins represent important targets for drug discovery. Scientists have developed several drugs that act on specific cellular ion channels based on small-molecule approaches, such as aspirin, a commonly used proton pump inhibitor. While small-molecule approaches have successfully delivered marketed therapeutics targeting ion channels, antibodies are attractive as potential therapeutics for ion channels because of their selectivity, bioavailability, and effector functions.

Antibodies typically bind to their target antigens with remarkable selectivity and specificity to allow their use in targeted therapy while reducing off-target effects. Also, antibodies have limited CNS penetration and low variability in patient pharmacokinetics. These advantages make it important to develop antibody-based therapies targeting ion channels. However, the development of such antibody drugs is challenging. In addition to the complexity of functional screening, the expression and purification of ion channel proteins used as immunogens also face various problems.

Fig. 1 Insight into the mechanisms of monoclonal antibodies' action via their channels–targets onto the different cells. (Haustrate, 2019)

Our Services

Combining advances in the fields of ion channel biochemistry and structural understanding with advances in antibody screening and discovery techniques, researchers at Creative Bioarray are dedicated to helping clients develop effective functional antibodies that offer significant opportunities to treat a wide range of diseases. Our services include, but are not limited to:

• Expression of ion channel antigens
  The precise form of the antigen affects the selection and identification of binding antibodies. We offer a variety of strategies to help clients overcome the challenges associated with the complex topology of ion channels and membrane lipid bilayers. We have established three ion channel protein preparation systems for different antigen preparation needs.
• Whole cell-based expression of the immune system
• Cell-free expression system
• VLP/phage library-based expression system
• Purification of ion channel antigens
  We offer a variety of strategies such as the use of species homologs of human proteins and engineered proteins to help clients achieve well-behaved, properly folded, and stable proteins.
• Discovery of antibodies targeting ion channels
  The use of peptides derived from the E3 pore loop region of various channels has had a high success rate in obtaining polyclonal antibodies targeting ion channels. Using this loop as an immunogen, we have successfully generated antibodies against Ca_v2.1/2, Na_v1.5, K_v1.2, K_v3.1, TRPC1, TRPV1, and other ion channels.
• Screening of ion channel biologics
  We offer a variety of screening assays to help our clients identify and characterize functional antibodies against ion channels, such as cell-binding assays, whole-cell patch clamp, ELISA, store-operated calcium influx, and radioactive calcium uptake assay.

Creative Bioarray provides clients with comprehensive antibody discovery services targeting ion channels through a variety of advanced technologies. Our extensive experience and expertise in the development and functional characterization of ion channel targeted antibodies enable us to provide you with best-in-class scientific services. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for more details.

Reference

1. Haustrate, A.; et al. Monoclonal antibodies targeting ion channels and their therapeutic potential. Frontiers in pharmacology, 2019, 10: 606.