Re:UCSF team has engineered a tiny antibody capable of neutr...
by sradman on Wednesday February 03, 2021 @06:56AM
(#26012825)
Great overview of the biotech behind these COVID-19 nanobodies by Vincent Racaniello [1]:
> Human monoclonal antibodies that block infection with SARS-CoV-2 are being used to treat COVID-19 patients, but an alternative, antibodies produced in camelids (alpacas and llamas) might have advantages. Camelid monoclonal antibodies can be more cheaply produced in mass quantities in bacteria, and protein engineering can be quickly used to produce a better therapeutic product.
Nanobodies are small and stable enough to be delivered as a nasal spray unlike the current mabs (Regeneron and Eli Lilly) that are delivered intravenously.
The paper An ultrapotent synthetic nanobody neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 by stabilizing inactive Spike [2] was discussed in the podcast TWiV 708: Alpaca llama full of nanobodies [3] on Jan 7th.
Unfortunately this spray is too late to impact the course of the current pandemic but it gives hope for the future.
> Human monoclonal antibodies that block infection with SARS-CoV-2 are being used to treat COVID-19 patients, but an alternative, antibodies produced in camelids (alpacas and llamas) might have advantages. Camelid monoclonal antibodies can be more cheaply produced in mass quantities in bacteria, and protein engineering can be quickly used to produce a better therapeutic product.
Nanobodies are small and stable enough to be delivered as a nasal spray unlike the current mabs (Regeneron and Eli Lilly) that are delivered intravenously.
The paper An ultrapotent synthetic nanobody neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 by stabilizing inactive Spike [2] was discussed in the podcast TWiV 708: Alpaca llama full of nanobodies [3] on Jan 7th.
Unfortunately this spray is too late to impact the course of the current pandemic but it gives hope for the future.
[1] https://www.virology.ws/2021/01/14/camelids-for-covid/
[2] https://science.sciencemag.org/content/370/6523/1473
[3] https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/twiv-708/