Researchers have reported extracting antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 from llamas which seem to have incredible therapeutic potential. The llama antibodies, called “nanobodies”, have some key distinctions from human antibodies. They are smaller in size, yet might be more stable as well as several times more effective at neutralizing SARS-CoV-2.
The hero of this story is a black llama named Wally, named by Pitt’s scientist Yi Shi. The team at University Pittsburgh exposed Wally to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and found that after two months, Wally produced mature nanobodies against the virus. Research assistant Xiang developed and used a mass spectrometry technique to identify the strongest SARS-CoV-2 nanobodies.
Excitingly, when exposing nanobodies with live SARS-CoV-2, just a small fraction of a nanogram could neutralize the virus, potentially staving off the virus from millions of cells. To apply this to humans, Shi looks to make these into an inhalable mist to deliver the therapeutic to the lungs to protect the body from SARS-CoV2, a much cheaper technique than using an IV, which is traditionally expensive and logistically difficult.
It is incredibly exciting to see interest in unique therapeutics in a world which seems to be incredibly focused on a vaccine. Viral treatments could not only help stave off Covid-19 safely and effectively, but also pave the way for future antivirals when another virus strikes. The “One Health” approach of looking to the way other species handle viruses seems like a prudent way to face dangerous human viruses. Nature is often the best answer to human dilemmas.
-Sammy
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201105183805.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment