Nanoantibodies could block the Covid? Apparently yes. This is confirmed by recent research that could soon be tested on humans. A discovery that concerns, in particular, the nanoantibodies, developed on llamas and alpacas. A research that had already been presented with good expectations a few months ago and that we had anticipated. The research on this therapy made known by the journal "Science" and seems to have given positive results.
Therapy to block the virus, how it works
The study on this new therapy done by Swedish researchers from the Karolinska Institute. And with scholars from the University of Bonn and the Scripps Research Institute of California. But apparently compared to the announcements a few months ago, now the research has taken a few further steps forward. So much so that human experimentation is ready, which is the necessary milestone to understand if it can really work for treatment. The therapy is based on nanoantibodies, developed by working on llamas and alpacas. These nanoantibodies appear to have prevented the virus from entering the cells. And the most interesting thing is that they could also work in case of mutations.
Therapy experimentation from Germany
As reported in the scientific journal, the experimentation phase will be launched by a spin-off company of the University of Bonn. According to this research, the antibodies block the Spike protein, which is precisely that of the Coronavirus, preventing it from attaching to the human cell. This would stop the infection and therefore the contagion. And nanoantibodies would be effective as they are smaller, but also easier to produce. And according to the research, it is also precisely because children could attach themselves to the virus in more places than normal antibodies. "We joined together nanoantibodies that bind to two different locations in the coronavirus Spike protein - explains Martin Hallberg, one of the researchers -. This combination attaches better than single antibodies and is exceptionally effective in blocking the virus, preventing it from spreading between human cells.".
Greater effectiveness also in the variants of the virus
A lot of research has been started in recent months to arrive at a therapy. In fact, the steps forward concern not only studies and experimentation to get to the vaccine and therefore have an effective prevention. But also the care. Especially for patients with the virus. This recent study instead tries to go further. That is to defend the organism from the arrival of the virus. And it would also be effective with variants. "This means that the risk of the virus becoming resistant to this therapy is very smallHallberg clarified.
The peculiarity of llamas and alpacas is to generate antibodies and nanoantibodies through their immune system. These animals, therefore, were vaccinated with the Spike protein of the coronavirus. To arrive at the discovery of their resistance and effectiveness. With human experimentation it could be possible to arrive at a drug therapy that would complement the vaccine. This therapy could work both on those who have been sick with Covid or as a prevention for those with weak immune systems. The next few months will be decisive.
