CHAPTER 13: Antibodies as Ion Channel Modulators

Targeting ion channels with functional antibodies is a promising approach that offers several theoretical advantages over traditional small molecule approaches, including long half-life, high potency and the potential for true pharmacological selectivity. In this chapter, we will summarize the existing evidence supporting the feasibility of targeting ion channels with functional antibodies, describe the current status of antibody-based ion channel drug discovery and discuss some possible technical challenges that may need to be addressed before the promise of ion channel antibody therapeutics can be fully realized.