by Nanobodies are single domain antibody fragments derived from heavy-chain antibodies found naturally in Camelidae. Unlike conventional antibodies which have two heavy and two light chains linking together, nanobodies have only a single variable domain which is the smallest functional fragment that retains the binding specificity and affinity of the full antibody. These single domain antibodies are only around 15kDa in size which is about 10 times smaller than a conventional antibody. The smaller size of nanobodies allows them to target epitopes that are cryptic or conformationally restricted which are difficult for larger antibodies to access.
Isolation And Production Of United States Nanobodies
Nanobodies are isolated from the blood of camelids that have been immunized with the antigen of interest. B-lymphocytes from the animal’s blood are then harvested and total RNA is isolated. This RNA is converted to cDNA which is used to construct phage display libraries containing the variable regions of the heavy-chain antibodies. Repeated rounds of bio-panning are then done to select for nanobodies binding to the target antigen. Promising nanobodies can then be produced at large scale either in bacteria, yeast, insect or mammalian cell lines. Nanobodies isolated using this technique can be tailored for virtually any target antigen.
Advantages Of Nanobodies Over Conventional Antibodies
Due to their small size, nanobodies have superior tissue penetration and reach epitopes on antigens that are inaccessible to larger antibodies. Their single domain structure also makes them more stable than full antibodies and less prone to aggregation. Nanobodies can be efficiently produced in heterologous expression systems like E. coli versus the more complex mammalian cell systems required for antibody production. Their small size also means nanobodies have faster tissue distribution, blood clearance and renal clearance. These advantages make nanobodies appealing candidates for various biomedical applications.
Emerging Nanobody Applications In The United States
Nanobodies have great potential for molecular imaging and targeted therapy applications in oncology in the United States. Several nanobody candidates are being developed for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of cancer markers like HER2, EGFR and PD-L1. Researchers are engineering nanobodies for tumor-specific delivery of radionuclides, drugs or toxins to achieve personalized molecular radiotherapy of cancers. Other efforts aim to develop nanobodies against tumor endothelial markers to achieve targeted vasculature disruption.
Nanobodies also show promise for diagnostics. Companies are developing miniaturized lateral flow tests using nanobodies for point-of-care detection of infectious diseases, cardiac biomarkers and drugs of abuse. As detection agents, nanobodies can achieve higher sensitivity and specificity than antibodies.
In neurology, nanobodies are being investigated as potential new treatments for brain disorders. Given their small size, nanobodies may be able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier to target proteins implicated in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Initial studies show nanobodies can bind disease targets in the brain and modulate protein aggregation and toxicity.
Regulatory Acceptance And Commercialization Of Nanobodies
For nanobodies to reach their full potential, regulatory agencies must determine guidelines for their clinical use. In 2016, the FDA approved caplacizumab-yhdp, a bivalent nanobody for the treatment of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. This was a landmark decision demonstrating the FDA’s willingness to accept nanobodies as viable drug candidates. More approvals will bolster confidence among companies and investors.
The many startups in the United States are now working to translate academic nanobody discoveries into approved products. Larger pharmaceutical companies are also initiating partnerships and licensing deals around nanobody technologies. With their versatility and advantages over antibodies, nanobodies are poised to radically alter disease detection and treatment in the coming years. As regulatory acceptance and commercial investments grow, nanobodies promise revolutionary new medicines for some of the most challenging health problems facing modern societies.
About Author - Alice Mutum
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. LinkedIn
