Single-Domain Antibodies, also known as "Nanobodies," have been discovered from Alpacas, and are now used against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The notorious SARS-CoV-2 is also known as the virus which causes COVID-19, and the said nanobody treatment helps in preventing it from infecting the body's cells, as well as its "mutations."
Blocking COVID-19 from cells is better protection than having no shield from it. Nanobodies from camels have initially been reported to be protecting against COVID-19 and prevent it from spreading and causing a chain reaction within the body.
Single-Domain Antibodies Protects Against SARS-CoV-2
Single-Domain Antibodies or Nanobodies were the subjects of research from scientists from Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and the University Medical Center. These schools center on Götinggen, Germany, and have been keen on delivering a new kind of protection against the virus.
The researchers initially published their findings via The Embo Journal, with a study entitled "Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 by highly potent, hyperthermostable, and mutation-tolerant nanobodies." The research talked about how a single-domain antibody or nanobodies are stronger than a regular "antibody" that a person produces.
What this research focused on is its protection against SARS-CoV-2, something which it can block and cancel out, having no cells it infects and dying on its own. The researchers said that this is 1,000 times more effective and protective than previous nanobodies.
Nanobodies from Alpacas
According to Gen Eng News, the researchers have isolated this protective agent from Alpacas, a known camelid mammal that belongs to the camel family. They are known to be immune from the SARS-CoV-2 virus and were used as inspiration to create nanobodies that can fight against it.
The said nanobodies can protect against SARS-CoV-2 from spreading in one's body, as well as withstand drastic heat, making it safe for different kinds of storage. These nanobodies are also stable and can tolerate extreme conditions.
Nanobodies vs. Vaccines
Nanobodies are different from Vaccines, as the latter is known to bring a similar case of the virus as it is injected into a body, and letting a person develop antibodies for it. Nanobodies or single-domain antibodies come as is, and they help in protecting each cell from getting infected by SARS-CoV-2, thus preventing its spread.
Its development is still under study and test, so the best bet for people now is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Both are still forms of protection and have the same goals of preventing a person from being subject to infection and other effects of the virus.
Related Article: COVID-19 Face Mask Expert Says Vaccinated People Are Safe in Most Outdoor Situations: Should CDC Re-Implement It?
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Isaiah Richard
