New research: From Cormac the llama, tiny antibodies against coronavirus
Since the pandemic broke, several researchers have produced llama nanobodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that may be effective at preventing infections.
December 23, 2020 9:05:46 am
Cormac, the llama. (Triple J Farms, Washington/photo provided by NIH)
From a llama named Cormac, researchers at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) have isolated a set of tiny antibodies, or “nanobodies”, that hold promise against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. At least one of these nanobodies could prevent infections and detect virus particles by grabbing hold of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, the researchers suggest in the journal Scientific Reports. This nanobody, called NIH-CoVnb-112, appeared to work equally well in either liquid or aerosol form, which suggests it could remain effective after inhalation.