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small protein molecules obtained from the blood of llama And Camel May be useful in treating neurological disorders such as alzheimer’s disease With fewer side effects, a new study says.
These are a form of nanobodies immune system‘S antibodiesand were first discovered in the 1990s camel familyWhich includes camel, llama and alpaca.
They are about one tenth the size of traditional antibodies And has not been found in any other mammal.
While current treatment approaches for diseases such as cancer often center around antibodies, these therapies have had limited impact in treating brain disorders, because antibody molecules struggle to cross the body’s natural blood-brain barrier.
But researchers say that because of their very small size, nanobodies have the potential to be developed as more effective treatments for brain diseases with fewer side effects.
“Camellid nanobodies ushered in a new era of biological therapies for brain disorders and revolutionized the way we think about therapeutics,” said Philippe Rondard of the Center National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in France.
“We believe they could create a new class of drugs between traditional antibodies and small molecules,” said Dr. Rondard, author of the new study published in the journal Medicine. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences.
A previous study in mice also showed that the nanobody could restore the behavioral deficits of schizophrenia.
“These are highly soluble small proteins that can enter the brain passively,” said Pierre-André Lafon of the CNRS.
“In contrast, small-molecule drugs designed to cross the blood-brain barrier are hydrophobic in nature, which limits their bioavailability, increases the risk of off-target binding, and is associated with side effects,” explained Dr. Lafon, another author of the study.
Scientists say nanobodies are easier to produce, purify and engineer than traditional antibodies and can be tailored to their target.
However, several steps need to be taken before the nanobodies can be tested in human clinical trials for brain disorders, he says.
According to scientists, the major challenges are mainly to optimize the delivery of nanobodies and ensure their safety.
“With regard to nanobodies, it is also essential to evaluate their stability, confirm their proper folding and ensure the absence of aggregation,” Dr. Rondard said.
“It will be essential to obtain clinical-grade nanobodies and stable formulations that maintain activity during long-term storage and transportation,” he said.