SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Nanobodies for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Uses
This technology involves the utilization of highly effective nanobodies, specifically camelid antibodies, derived from immunized llamas to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, it employs a unique mouse model, called a "nanomouse," that is engineered to express antibody genes from camels, alpacas, and dromedaries. These nanobodies offer significant advantages over traditional human and mouse antibodies due to their smaller size, which allows them to effectively target and bind to specific areas on antigens. The primary applications of this technology are twofold: therapeutically, to inhibit COVID-19 in patients, and diagnostically, to detect the presence of the infection in blood samples using methods like ELISA. This innovative approach holds promise for both treating and identifying COVID-19 more effectively.