Study uses nanobodies to block tick-borne bacterial infection ANI | Updated: Apr 28, 2021 23:28 IST Washington [US], April 28 (ANI): The findings of recent research suggest that tiny molecules called nanobodies, which can be designed to mimic antibody structures and functions, might be the key to blocking a tick-borne bacterial infection that remains out of reach of almost all antibiotics. The research is published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The infection is called human monocytic ehrlichiosis and is one of the most prevalent and potentially life-threatening tick-borne diseases in the United States. The disease initially causes flu-like symptoms common to many illnesses, and in rare cases can be fatal if left untreated.