Nature Communications: Engineered CRAC Channel Inhibitory Binders (CRABs) Open New Therapeutic Class for Channelopathies and Cancer Immunology
A Nature Communications paper introduced genetically encoded CRAC (calcium release-activated calcium) channel inhibitory binders — designated CRABs — derived from the ORAI C-terminal tail. Membrane-anchored CRAB variants potently inhibit Ca²⁺ influx and downstream NFAT signaling, offering a peptide-based modulator class for channelopathies, autoimmune disorders, and cancer immunotherapy applications. The mechanism complements existing CRAC channel small-molecule inhibitors and expands the toolkit for precision modulation of calcium signaling.