new Delhi: A team of researchers recently developed a new strategy to identify potent miniature antibodies, called nanobodies, against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, and this approach has led to the discovery of several antibodies.
The findings, made by researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, were recently published in the journals nature communication And Science Advances.
The researchers discovered several antibodies that effectively block infection with different SARS-CoV-2 variants in cell cultures and mice. The findings could pave the way for new treatments against COVID-19.
In a statement issued by the Karolinska Institutet, Gerald McInerney, joint senior author of both studies, said that with the help of advanced laboratory techniques, the researchers were able to identify a panel of nanobodies that effectively killed multiple forms of SARS-CoV-2. neutralized by ,
Despite the roll-out of vaccines and antivirals, the need for effective therapeutics against severe COVID-19 infections remains high.
What are nanobodies?
Nanobodies are fragments of antibodies that occur naturally in camels and can be adapted for humans. Furthermore, nanobodies are promising therapeutic candidates as they offer several advantages over conventional antibodies. For example, nanobodies have favorable biochemical properties and are easy to produce on a large scale cost-effectively.
Researchers have identified several potent antibodies derived from alpaca immunized with the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in recently published studies.
SARS-CoV-2 . Single nano of K reduced viral load
According to the study published in nature communicationA single nanobody, Fu2, significantly reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures and mice. The Fu2 is named after the alpaca finny. The researchers used electron cryo-microscopy (a structural biological method used to determine the 3D structures of biomacromolecules) and found that Fu2 naturally binds to two distinct sites on the viral spike. In this way, Fu2 inhibits the ability of the virus to enter the host cell.
The scientists combined a range of advanced laboratory techniques and computational methods. In this way, they found out more about the nanobodies in the alpaca. Conclusion. published in science advance Additional nanobodies detected.
Nanobodies represent promising therapeutic candidates against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants
The researchers found that these nanobodies effectively cross-neutralized both the founder and beta versions of SARS-CoV-2 in cell structures and in mice.
These nanobodies represent promising therapeutic candidates against several SARS-CoV-2 variants, the statement said, citing first author Leo Hanke of both studies.
According to the statement, researchers are now trying to find out which nanobodies from the set are best at neutralizing omicron The type of SARS-CoV-2.
Ben Murrell, joint senior author of both studies, said libraries once established can be expanded and mined for nanobodies that neutralize newly emerging forms.
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