New York, December 8, 2008 : A study has shown that nanobodies, miniature antibodies derived from llamas have therapeutic potential in fighting Covid and its variants. Scientists are intensifying their search for Covid treatments amid the increasing threat from Omicron, the new and potentially even more dangerous SARS-CoV-2 variant.
Rockefeller scientists Brian T.Chait, Michael P.Rout, and Brian T.Chait, along with their colleagues at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, selected over 100 nanobodies based upon their ability to target different parts the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins.
The nanobodies were produced by immunized llamas and showed high efficacy in laboratory tests to neutralise the original coronavirus as well as several variants of it, including Delta.
They are currently undergoing studies to determine their effectiveness against the Omicron variant.
Researchers hope to develop a nanobody combination that could be used to create a Covid drug that is effective against both current variants and future ones.
Rout stated that based on the way nanobodies bind with the virus, Rout is optimistic that many will continue to be effective, possibly even against Omicron.
“We should have these results soon.”
These findings were published in the journal eLife.
A human antibody is a large, chunky structure of two protein chains.The nanobody molecule that is produced by camels, llamas, and other members of the Camelidae species consists only of one protein.
The researchers obtained blood samples from llamas that had been administered small amounts of coronavirus proteins, similar to a vaccine, in order to obtain the nanobodies.The researchers sequenced DNA from llamas that corresponded to different nanobodies and then expressed these genes in bacteria for lab analysis.
The nanobodies with the desired properties were selected and tested further to determine which ones are most effective in neutralising the virus.
Nanobodies are small enough to reach difficult-to-reach areas of the SARS-CoV-2 viruses.
Larger antibodies might not be able to do so.Researchers can combine nanobodies that are capable of hitting different parts to reduce the risk of the virus escaping.
Chait stated, “One of the most remarkable things we observed with nanobodies was that they show extraordinary synergy.” “The combination effect is greater than the sum of its individual parts.”
Next, the researchers plan to test the safety of the nanobodies in animal experiments.
Nanobodies are small and easy to produce in yeast and bacteria.They are also extremely stable.
These molecules are able to withstand high temperatures, long storage times, and could be used as a drug in many settings around the world.
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