SciTechDaily: Mini Antibodies Produced by a Llama and Isolated by Neuroscientists Could Prevent COV [View all]

[SheltieLover]

https://scitechdaily.com/mini-antibodies-produced-by-a-llama-and-isolated-by-neuroscientists-could-prevent-covid-19-infection/

By NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE DECEMBER 22, 2020

NIH scientists showed that nanobodies isolated from a llama may prevent COVID-19 infections. Infections happen when SARS-CoV-2 virus spike proteins (yellow) latch onto ACE2 receptors (blue) that line the outside of a cell. The NIH nanobodies (grey) may prevent infections by covering spike proteins, which blocks binding to the ACE2 receptor. Credit: Courtesy of Brody lab, NIH/NINDS

Preliminary results suggest anti-COVID19 nanobodies may be effective at preventing and diagnosing infections.

National Institutes of Health researchers have isolated a set of promising, tiny antibodies, or “nanobodies,” against SARS-CoV-2 that were produced by a llama named Cormac. Preliminary results published in Scientific Reports suggest that at least one of these nanobodies, called NIH-CoVnb-112, could prevent infections and detect virus particles by grabbing hold of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. In addition, the nanobody appeared to work equally well in either liquid or aerosol form, suggesting it could remain effective after inhalation. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19.

Much more at link. Hats off to Mother Nature and these exceptionally brilliant scientists!